Canada Express Entry invites 15,202 PRs in February 2026. Register your EOI now!

On February 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A total of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates who met the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirement. This draw focused on individuals with skilled Canadian work experience, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to retaining temporary workers and international graduates already contributing to its economy. The draw marked the fourth Express Entry round conducted in February 2026, reflecting consistent immigration activity and strong momentum in Canada’s economic immigration system.

The minimum CRS score required in the February 17, 2026 Canadian Experience Class draw was 505. Candidates with a score of 505 or higher received Invitations to Apply for permanent residence. CRS scores are calculated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. A score above 500 remains competitive, especially for CEC-specific draws. Candidates below this score may need to improve their language results, gain additional skilled work experience, or explore Provincial Nominee Programs to strengthen their profiles and increase their chances of selection in upcoming draws.

In February 2026, IRCC conducted four Express Entry draws. These included program-specific and category-based rounds, demonstrating Canada’s structured approach to meeting its immigration targets. The consistent frequency of draws within a single month indicates active selection from the Express Entry pool. Regular draws provide more opportunities for candidates to receive ITAs, particularly those with strong CRS scores or those qualifying under targeted categories such as CEC, PNP, or French-language proficiency. For Indian professionals planning Canada PR, multiple draws in one month signal stable immigration processing and continued demand for skilled talent.

Across four Express Entry draws in February 2026, IRCC issued a total of 15,202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This significant number reflects Canada’s continued commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants under its economic immigration programs. The ITAs were distributed across various categories, including Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and French-language proficiency category-based draws. A high number of invitations in a single month suggests steady progress toward annual immigration targets and creates strong opportunities for eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool to secure permanent residency.

The February 2026 Express Entry draws targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and French-language proficiency category-based selections. CEC draws focused on candidates with Canadian work experience, while PNP draws invited candidates who had secured a provincial nomination. French-language category draws targeted candidates with strong French proficiency, supporting Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These varied selection categories indicate that IRCC is strategically addressing labor market needs and regional demographic goals while maintaining balanced economic immigration intake.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is designed for individuals who have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years and meet required language benchmarks. CEC is particularly popular among international students transitioning from Post-Graduation Work Permits and temporary foreign workers. Since candidates already have Canadian experience, they are often well-integrated into the labor market, making CEC a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for those already living and working in Canada.

Receiving a Provincial Nomination significantly increases your chances of selection. A nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) adds 600 additional CRS points to your Express Entry profile. Since recent CRS cut-offs are typically around 500, an additional 600 points virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw. Provinces nominate candidates based on local labor shortages and economic priorities. For candidates with lower CRS scores, applying through a PNP stream can be one of the most effective strategies to secure Canada PR.

Candidates can improve their CRS scores by retaking language tests to achieve higher IELTS or CELPIP bands, especially aiming for CLB 9 or above. Gaining additional skilled work experience, either in Canada or abroad, also increases points. Applying for a Provincial Nomination adds 600 points, significantly boosting chances of selection. Learning French and achieving qualifying scores in TEF or TCF exams can provide additional bilingual points. Updating Educational Credential Assessments for multiple qualifications can further strengthen profiles. Strategic improvements can enhance competitiveness for upcoming Express Entry draws.

Express Entry draws are generally conducted regularly, often every two weeks, although frequency can vary depending on immigration targets and category-based priorities. In February 2026 alone, four draws were held, demonstrating active selection from the pool. IRCC may conduct program-specific draws (CEC or PNP) or category-based draws focusing on occupations or language skills. While there is no fixed calendar published in advance, candidates can expect consistent rounds throughout the year. Monitoring draw trends helps applicants understand CRS movements and plan profile improvements accordingly.