Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of February 2026 on Monday, February 3, issuing 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
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The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749, once again highlighting the decisive advantage provided by provincial nominations within the Express Entry system.
This round of invitations comes as the Express Entry pool continues to expand, reaching 238,920 candidates as of February 2, 2026, underscoring the intense competition for Canadian permanent residence.
February 3, 2026 Express Entry Draw Summary
| Draw Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program |
| Date and Time | February 3, 2026 |
| Invitations Issued | 423 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 749 |
| Rank Required | 423 or above |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC |
The tie-breaking rule applied to candidates with the minimum CRS score of 749. Invitations were issued to those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC. Candidates who reached 749 after this timestamp were not invited in this draw.
Why the CRS Cutoff Reached 749
At first glance, a CRS cutoff of 749 may appear exceptionally high. However, this figure reflects the 600-point bonus awarded for provincial nominations.
In practical terms, most successful candidates in this draw likely had modest base CRS scores prior to nomination:
- Base CRS score (without nomination): approximately 149+
- Provincial nomination bonus: +600
- Total CRS score required: 749
This illustrates how the PNP pathway allows candidates with relatively low core CRS scores to receive invitations, effectively making a provincial nomination one of the most powerful routes to Canadian permanent residence.
Express Entry Pool Composition (As of February 2, 2026)
The Express Entry pool now contains nearly a quarter million candidates, distributed as follows:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 (includes PNP nominees) | 423 |
| 501–600 | 14,911 |
| 491–500 | 13,586 |
| 481–490 | 13,417 |
| 471–480 | 16,617 |
| 461–470 | 15,791 |
| 451–460 | 15,400 |
| 451–500 (Total) | 74,811 |
| 441–450 | 14,700 |
| 431–440 | 14,923 |
| 421–430 | 13,267 |
| 411–420 | 13,197 |
| 401–410 | 12,175 |
| 401–450 (Total) | 68,262 |
| 351–400 | 53,276 |
| 301–350 | 18,949 |
| 0–300 | 8,288 |
| Total | 238,920 |
What These Numbers Reveal
The current pool distribution highlights several key trends:
- Heavy congestion in the 451–500 range: Nearly 75,000 candidates fall just below typical Canadian Experience Class cutoffs.
- Few high-scoring candidates: Only 423 candidates have scores above 600, almost all of whom hold provincial nominations—explaining why PNP draws clear quickly.
- Large mid-tier population: Over 68,000 candidates are in the 401–450 range and will likely need provincial nominations, category-based eligibility (such as French, healthcare, or trades), or major CRS improvements.
- Expanding lower tiers: More than 80,000 candidates have CRS scores below 400, indicating the need for alternative immigration strategies.
What Candidates Should Focus On Next
The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 sets the tone for the weeks ahead. With IRCC emphasizing category-based selection and the pool approaching 239,000 candidates, competition remains intense.
Candidates without provincial nominations should prioritize:
- Improving language scores to reach CLB 9 or higher
- Learning French to qualify for French-language draws with lower cutoffs
- Actively pursuing provincial nominations across multiple provinces
- Positioning themselves for category-based draws in healthcare, education, or skilled trades
- Keeping Express Entry profiles accurate, complete, and up to date
The 423 candidates invited in this draw demonstrate that Canadian permanent residence is still attainable—but increasingly requires strategic planning rather than passive waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Provincial Nomination
Can I apply to multiple Provincial Nominee Programs at the same time?
Yes. You may apply to multiple PNP streams across different provinces simultaneously. However, once you accept a nomination from one province, you must decline any others. You must also be prepared to show genuine intent to settle in the nominating province.
What if I receive a provincial nomination but my CRS score was originally low?
An Express Entry–aligned provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, pushing most candidates well above 1,000 points. Since PNP draws typically have cutoffs between 680 and 780, a nomination virtually guarantees an ITA within one or two draws.
Can a province withdraw my nomination after I apply for permanent residence?
Yes. Provinces may withdraw nominations if misrepresentation is discovered, eligibility criteria are no longer met, settlement intent is abandoned, or required documents are not provided. If a nomination is withdrawn, IRCC will refuse the PR application.
Am I required to live in the nominating province after becoming a permanent resident?
Legally, no. Canadian permanent residents have mobility rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, leaving immediately after receiving PR may raise concerns about misrepresentation if there was never genuine intent to settle. Many professionals recommend residing in the nominating province for 6–12 months before relocating.
