Canada has kicked off February 2026 with another targeted Express Entry draw, reinforcing a clear immigration trend for the year. In the first Express Entry draw of February, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
This latest Express Entry draw highlights IRCC’s continued focus on PNP candidates, Canadian work experience, and in-Canada applicants, making it a crucial update for anyone tracking Canada immigration 2026 closely.
Express Entry Draw February 2026: Key Highlights
Here are the main details from the latest Express Entry PNP draw:
- Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Total ITAs issued: 423
- Minimum CRS score: 749
- Tie-break rule: Profiles created before December 16, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. UTC
- Draw position in 2026: Fifth Express Entry draw of the year
This Express Entry draw once again confirms that PNP Express Entry candidates remain a top priority under Canada’s 2026 immigration strategy.
Why the CRS Score Remains High for PNP Draws
A CRS score of 749 may look high, but this is expected in PNP-specific Express Entry draws. Candidates nominated by a province automatically receive 600 additional CRS points, pushing most PNP profiles well above the 700 mark.
In simple terms:
- Without provincial nomination, CRS scores are usually much lower
- With provincial nomination, CRS scores jump significantly, making PNP candidates highly competitive
This is why Express Entry PNP draws consistently have higher CRS cut-offs compared to CEC Express Entry draws.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 746 | 681 |
| January 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 711 | 574 |
| February 2026 (Latest) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 749 | 423 |
This table clearly shows that Express Entry 2026 is being driven mainly by CEC draws and PNP draws, with no all-program draws so far.
Express Entry Trends in 2026: What IRCC Is Prioritising
Based on all Express Entry draws in 2026, some strong patterns are emerging:
1. Strong Focus on In-Canada Candidates
IRCC is prioritising:
- Candidates already living in Canada
- Applicants with Canadian work experience
- Individuals holding provincial nominations
2. Provincial Nominee Program Takes Centre Stage
The Provincial Nominee Program is playing a key role in Canada's immigration 2026, allowing provinces to select candidates who meet local labour market needs directly.
3. No All-Program Express Entry Draws Yet
So far, IRCC has not conducted a general Express Entry all-program draw, which means:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) candidates outside Canada face tougher competition
- Provincial pathways are becoming more important than ever
Total Express Entry ITAs Issued in 2026 (Till Now)
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 14,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 1,255 |
| Total ITAs in 2026 | 19,478 |
With 19,478 ITAs already issued early in the year, 2026 is shaping up to be a very active year for Express Entry Canada, especially for those inside the country.
What This Express Entry Draw Means for Applicants
If you are an immigration applicant, here’s how the February 2026 Express Entry draw February 2026 affects you:
For PNP Candidates
- Excellent news if you already have a provincial nomination
- High CRS scores are normal and not a barrier
- Faster route to permanent residence through Express Entry
For CEC Candidates
- CEC draws remain frequent and large
- CRS cut-offs for CEC are much lower than PNP draws
- Canadian work experience continues to be highly valued
For Overseas Applicants
- Provincial nomination is becoming essential
- Direct federal selection is limited
- Exploring PNP options is strongly recommended
What to Expect Next in Express Entry 2026
Based on current trends, the coming months may include:
- More PNP Express Entry draws
- Additional CEC Express Entry draws
- Continued focus on in-Canada transitions
- Possible category-based draws later in the year
However, CRS cut-offs and draw types will continue to depend on labour market needs, provincial demands, and immigration targets.
Use the Canada CRS Calculator to instantly check your Express Entry score, assess eligibility, and plan smarter steps toward Canada PR success.
Conclusion: PNP Remains the Power Pathway in 2026
The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 makes it clear that Provincial Nominee Program candidates are a top priority for IRCC. With high CRS cut-offs, targeted invitations, and steady draw frequency, PNP Express Entry remains one of the strongest and most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence in 2026.
For serious applicants, aligning your profile with provincial immigration programs may be the smartest move this year.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You
Visa Solutions 4u supports immigration applicants by:
- Identifying the best Provincial Nominee Program for your profile
- Improving your Express Entry CRS score
- Assisting with PNP applications and documentation
- Guiding candidates through Express Entry ITA and PR filing
- Offering end-to-end support for Canada immigration 2026
If you want to take advantage of upcoming Express Entry draws and PNP opportunities, Visa Solutions 4u can help you plan the right strategy and move forward with confidence.
