Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its third Express Entry draw of February 2026, issuing 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
This round targeted candidates in the Express Entry pool who had already received a provincial nomination from a Canadian province.
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The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score was 789, representing a 40-point increase compared to the previous Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on February 3, 2026.
Express Entry Draw Summary – February 16, 2026
- Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Date: February 16, 2026
- CRS score (lowest-ranked candidate invited): 789
- Number of ITAs issued: 279
- Rank required: 279 or above
- Tie-breaking rule: September 5, 2025 at 00:59:13 UTC
The increase in CRS score is largely due to the smaller number of invitations issued. In comparison, the February 3 PNP draw invited 423 candidates, which resulted in a lower cutoff score of 749.
Recent Express Entry Draws – February 2026
| Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued | CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 279 | 789 |
| February 6, 2026 | French-language Proficiency (2026 Version 2) | 8,500 | 400 |
| February 3, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 423 | 749 |
So far in February 2026, IRCC has issued 9,202 ITAs. Notably, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw has not yet taken place this month.
If IRCC conducts a CEC draw later this week, the CRS cutoff could rise above 511, given the current distribution of candidates in the pool.
Latest CRS Score Distribution (As of February 15, 2026)
Below is the CRS score distribution in the Express Entry pool, compared with the previous snapshot from February 2, 2026.
| CRS Score Range | Feb 15, 2026 | Feb 2, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 280 | 423 | -143 |
| 501–600 | 16,559 | 14,911 | +1,648 |
| 451–500 | 73,609 | 74,811 | -1,202 |
| 491–500 | 13,504 | 13,586 | -82 |
| 481–490 | 13,248 | 13,417 | -169 |
| 471–480 | 16,531 | 16,617 | -86 |
| 461–470 | 15,426 | 15,791 | -365 |
| 451–460 | 14,900 | 15,400 | -500 |
| 401–450 | 64,305 | 68,262 | -3,957 |
| 441–450 | 14,142 | 14,700 | -558 |
| 431–440 | 14,239 | 14,923 | -684 |
| 421–430 | 12,425 | 13,267 | -842 |
| 411–420 | 12,183 | 13,197 | -1,014 |
| 401–410 | 11,316 | 12,175 | -859 |
| 351–400 | 53,650 | 53,276 | +374 |
| 301–350 | 19,009 | 18,949 | +60 |
| 0–300 | 8,283 | 8,288 | -5 |
| Total | 235,695 | 238,920 | -3,225 |
The total number of candidates in the pool has decreased slightly, but there has been a notable increase in candidates scoring between 501–600, which may influence future cutoff scores.
Expert Strategies to Secure a Provincial Nomination in 2026
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Below are the most effective strategies for 2026:
1. Apply to Multiple Provinces
Avoid limiting yourself to a single province. Each province operates different PNP streams with unique eligibility criteria and occupation lists.
Consider applying to multiple streams where eligible to maximize your chances.
Provinces with active Express Entry-aligned streams include:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
2. Indicate Provincial Interest in Your Express Entry Profile
When creating or updating your Express Entry profile, indicate that you are open to being contacted by provinces.
Some provinces actively search the pool and issue Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to qualified candidates. If you do not select this option, you may miss potential nomination opportunities.
3. Target In-Demand Occupations
Each province maintains its own in-demand occupation list based on local labour shortages.
If your occupation is targeted, your nomination chances increase significantly.
For example:
- Healthcare professionals may find strong demand in Atlantic provinces.
- Technology professionals may benefit from streams in provinces with growing tech sectors.
Check occupation lists regularly, as they frequently change.
4. Gain Work or Study Experience in Your Target Province
Many PNP streams prioritize candidates already working or studying in the province.
If possible, secure a work permit or study permit and gain local experience. This can open additional pathways not available to overseas applicants and substantially strengthen your application.
5. Improve Your Language Scores
While Express Entry has minimum language requirements, many PNP streams require higher thresholds depending on the TEER category of your occupation.
Achieving CLB 7 or higher in all language abilities significantly expands your eligibility options.
If your current score is borderline, retaking your language test can make a meaningful difference.
6. Demonstrate Strong Intent to Settle
Provinces nominate candidates who genuinely intend to live and work in their region.
Clearly explain why you want to settle there. Highlight:
- Family connections
- Job offers
- Previous visits
- Knowledge of the local economy
Weak proof of settlement intent is a common reason for refusal.
7. Monitor PNP Openings Closely
Some PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill within hours.
Set alerts and monitor provincial websites regularly. Apply immediately once eligible streams open.
8. Prepare Complete Documentation in Advance
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a frequent cause of refusal.
Ensure that the following are ready before applying:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Valid language test results
- Reference letters with detailed job duties aligned with your NOC/TEER code
- Proof of settlement funds
Having documents prepared allows you to apply quickly when opportunities arise.
Final Thoughts
The February 16, 2026 PNP draw highlights once again that provincial nominations remain one of the most reliable routes to securing permanent residence through Express Entry.
The high CRS cutoff of 789 reflects the smaller number of ITAs issued—not a fundamental change in eligibility.
If you are waiting for a Canadian Experience Class draw, keep your profile active and accurate. Use this time to:
- Improve your language scores
- Gain additional work experience
- Review your NOC/TEER classification
- Explore spouse-related CRS strategies
Most importantly, treat your provincial nomination strategy as an ongoing pipeline: track multiple provinces, stay prepared, and act quickly when opportunities arise.
We will continue monitoring upcoming IRCC invitation rounds and provide timely updates as soon as a CEC or category-based draw is announced.
