IRCC Conducts Surprise PNP-Based Express Entry Draw

Shiwangi Srivastava
[Published 17 Feb, 2026 | 06:40 AM]
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again extended Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system, conducting a Provincial Nominee Program focused draw. This is the seventh Express Entry draw of 2026 and the third round of invitations issued this month.

The draw follows an earlier round that invited 8,500 French-language proficiency candidates, as well as a previous PNP-specific draw that issued 423 ITAs.

So far in 2026, IRCC has invited 1,957 provincially nominated candidates through Express Entry, reinforcing its focus on meeting regional labour market needs and supporting provincial economic growth. Overall, Express Entry Program welcomed 24,457 candidates through 2026 draws to date, reflecting strong intake across multiple immigration categories.

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Express Entry Latest Draw Results

Canada released the latest Express Entry draw on February 16, 2026, inviting 279 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 789.

• Draw Number: 395
• Date of Round: February 16, 2026
• Type of Draw: Provincial Nominee Program
• Number of ITAs Issued: 279
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 789
• Tie-Breaking Rule: September 05, 2025, at 0:59:13 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is determined by the date and time of their Express Entry profile submission.

Express Entry Summary of 2026

Here is a summary of Express Entry draws in 2026, showing draw dates, categories, number of ITAs issued, and minimum CRS scores. Which includes:

Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026: Program-Wise Breakdown

Below is a clear breakdown of Express Entry draws held in 2026, highlighting Canada’s focus on candidates with provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, and French-language proficiency.

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What to Expect from Upcoming Express Entry Draws?

Upcoming Express Entry draws are expected to continue to reflect Canada’s preference for targeted, category-based selection over large, all-program rounds. Immigration authorities are likely to maintain a strong focus on candidates who are already in Canada.

However, it is particularly those nominated through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This approach helps address immediate labour shortages while ensuring faster economic integration.

Future draws may also prioritize candidates with French-language proficiency to support Canada’s francophone immigration goals outside Quebec. While CRS cut-off scores could remain elevated for PNP-based draws, category-specific rounds may offer more accessible score ranges for eligible candidates.

Overall, Express Entry candidates should prepare for smaller but more frequent draws, with eligibility, work experience, and provincial alignment playing a greater role than CRS scores alone in determining invitation issuance.

Source: canada.ca