Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kicked off February with another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, this time targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
In the latest draw, 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had secured a provincial nomination, continuing Canada’s strong focus on selecting applicants already connected to specific provinces.
Key Details of the Draw
To receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed:
- Minimum CRS score: 749
- Profile creation date: Before 10:30 p.m. UTC on December 16, 2025
As expected, the CRS cut-off remains high for PNP-specific draws since a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Express Entry Draws So Far in 2026
Here’s a snapshot of this year’s activity:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
| February (latest) | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
This marks the fifth Express Entry draw of the year.
Canada’s 2026 Express Entry Trends
So far in 2026, IRCC appears to be prioritizing candidates who are already inside Canada. The focus has largely been on:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates
Number of Draws by Category
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 2 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2 |
Total ITAs Issued in 2026
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 14,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,255 |
In total, 19,478 ITAs have been issued this year so far.
What This Means for Applicants
The continued emphasis on PNP and CEC draws signals that Canada is:
- Supporting regional labor market needs
- Prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience
- Fast-tracking applicants already integrated into the workforce
If you’re an Express Entry candidate without Canadian experience or a provincial nomination, it may be a smart move to:
- Explore PNP streams aligned with your occupation
- Gain Canadian work experience
- Improve CRS scores through language tests or education credentials
Final Thoughts
With CRS cut-offs staying competitive and targeted draws becoming more common, candidates should stay proactive and strategic with their applications. A provincial nomination remains one of the strongest ways to secure an ITA quickly.
Keep your profile updated and watch for upcoming draws, 2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year for Canadian immigration.
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