Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has carried out a new round of invitations on 16th February, through the Express Entry system, focusing specifically on candidates nominated by Canadian provinces. The latest selection resulted in 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
This marks another strategic move by the federal government to prioritize applicants who already have strong ties to Canada through provincial endorsement.
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CRS Threshold and Eligibility Criteria
In this round, only candidates who had secured a provincial nomination were considered. Because a provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the cut-off was notably high.
To qualify in this draw, candidates were required to:
- Achieve a minimum CRS score of 789
- Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 12:59 a.m. UTC on September 5, 2025
The high score reflects the additional 600 points awarded under the PNP stream, significantly boosting candidates above the standard federal pool averages.
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A Look at Express Entry Activity in 2026
The February 16 draw represents the seventh Express Entry round of invitations held so far in 2026. It is also the fourth draw this year dedicated to Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
Earlier rounds this year have targeted three main categories:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- French-language proficiency candidates
Notably, IRCC’s approach in 2026 has largely centered on applicants already residing in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| 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 |
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2026
So far this year, the distribution of draws has been as follows:
- Provincial Nominee Program: 4 draws
- Canadian Experience Class: 2 draws
- French-language proficiency: 1 draw
This trend signals a continued emphasis on strengthening regional immigration strategies and retaining skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.
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Total ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far
As of mid-February, IRCC has issued a total of 24,457 Invitations to Apply across different categories. The breakdown includes:
- Canadian Experience Class: 14,000 ITAs
- French-language proficiency: 8,500 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,534 ITAs
The majority of invitations have been allocated to candidates with Canadian work experience, reinforcing the federal government’s intention to prioritize in-Canada applicants amid evolving immigration targets.
What This Means for Prospective Applicants
The continued focus on PNP and CEC draws suggests that candidates with strong provincial connections or Canadian employment history currently have a competitive advantage in the Express Entry system.
For overseas applicants, securing a provincial nomination may significantly improve CRS scores and enhance the likelihood of receiving an invitation in future draws. With Canada maintaining a selective and targeted invitation strategy in 2026, aligning one’s profile with provincial labor market needs remains a key pathway to permanent residence.
