IRCC Issues 6,279 ITAs in Back-to-Back Express Entry Draws (February 2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its active invitation trend for February 2026, conducting two consecutive draws targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
These draws highlight Canada’s strategic focus on “in-Canada” talent and regional labor needs.
Latest Draw Results: February 16–17, 2026
In the most recent rounds, IRCC issued a total of 6,279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The details of these rounds are summarized in the table below:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | Invitations Issued (ITAs) | Minimum CRS Score |
| February 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 6,000 | 508 |
| February 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 279 | 789 |
| February 06, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 8,500 | 400 |
Key Takeaways
- CEC Resilience: The February 17 draw saw 6,000 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 508, showing a slight decrease in score compared to previous rounds, making it a prime opportunity for candidates with Canadian work experience.
- PNP Priority: The surprise PNP draw on February 16 continues to reward candidates with provincial nominations, who automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points.
- Francophone Focus: Earlier this month, IRCC conducted a massive category-based draw for French speakers, issuing 8,500 ITAs with a remarkably low score of 400.
at Should Candidates Do Next?
If you have received an ITA, you now have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. For those still in the pool, increasing your CRS score through language testing or seeking a provincial nomination remains the most effective way to secure an invitation in upcoming rounds.
Are You Ready for the Next Draw?
The Express Entry landscape is changing fast. Don’t miss your chance to secure Canadian competitionPermanent Residency. Stay ahead of the by oring the latest trends and ensuringmonit your profile is optimized.
