Unexpected Express Entry Draw Brings Invitations for Provincial Nominees

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system. This is the PNP-based Express Entry draw. This is the seventh Express Entry draw of the year and the third draw of the month.

In the previous draw, Canada invited 8,500 francophone candidates through the Express Entry draw. Before that, IRCC issued 423 Provincial Nominee Program based ITAs through the Express Entry draw.

However, in 2026, IRCC welcomed a total of 1,957 PNP-based candidates seeking to settle in the province. They help enhance provincial economic growth and meet labour market needs.

Express Entry 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.

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Express Entry Summary of 2026

The table below summarizes Express Entry draws in 2026, showcasing trends in CRS scores and invitation volumes across different programs.

Overall, Express Entry welcomed 24,457 candidates through 2026 draws to date, reflecting strong intake across multiple immigration categories.

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Why is Canada Prioritizing the PNP & CEC?

Canada is prioritizing the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to better align immigration with immediate labour market needs and long-term settlement goals.

Through PNP, provinces can nominate candidates who directly address regional skill shortages, ensuring newcomers are employed where demand is highest. This targeted approach supports balanced economic growth across Canada rather than concentrating newcomers in major cities.

The focus on the CEC reflects Canada’s preference for candidates already living and working in the country. Applicants with Canadian work experience integrate faster into the labour market, require less settlement support, and demonstrate proven adaptability to Canadian workplace standards and culture. From a policy perspective, inland applicants also offer greater processing efficiency and certainty.

Together, prioritizing PNP and CEC helps meet the Canada Immigration plan of 2026-2028 targets while strengthening workforce stability, supporting regional economies, and improving long-term retention of newcomers. This strategy allows immigration to function as a direct economic tool rather than a purely points-based selection system.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Express Entry Express Entry Latest Draw Express Entry Program Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration Federal Skilled Worker Program Latest Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News Provincial Nominee Program