Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC
16 February 2026, 4:50 PM ESTLast Updated On 16 February 2026, 7:27 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third Express Entry draw in February 2026, sending 279 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This round of invitations targeted active Express Entry profiles that already have a provincial nomination from one of the Canadian provinces.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff was 789, which marked an increase of 40 points as compared to the previous PNP draw at the beginning of February.
Below are the details of the Express Entry draw today.
For candidates looking to secure a provincial nomination and add 600 points to their CRS score, here are the most effective strategies for 2026:
Do not limit yourself to one province. Each province has different eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and processing times.
Apply to multiple PNP streams where you qualify to maximize your chances.
Key provinces with active Express Entry-aligned streams include British Columbia (Skills Immigration), Alberta (Alberta Express Entry Stream), Saskatchewan (International Skilled Worker), Manitoba (Skilled Worker Overseas), and Nova Scotia (Labour Market Priorities).
When completing your Express Entry profile, indicate your interest in being contacted by provinces.
Some provinces, like Alberta, search the Express Entry pool and send Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who meet their criteria.
If you do not indicate interest, provinces cannot find and contact you. This simple step costs nothing but can unlock opportunities.
Each province maintains its own in-demand occupation list. Check these lists regularly, as they change based on labour market needs.
If your occupation is specifically targeted by a province, your chances of receiving a nomination increase dramatically.
For example, healthcare workers may find better opportunities in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, while tech professionals might target British Columbia or Ontario.
Many PNP streams give preference or exclusive access to candidates who are already working or have studied in the province.
For example, Nova Scotia’s Experience: Express Entry stream requires at least one year of work experience in Nova Scotia.
If you can secure a work permit and gain provincial experience, you significantly increase your nomination chances and may access streams unavailable to overseas applicants.
While Express Entry has minimum language requirements, many PNP streams have their own thresholds that may be higher.
Most streams require at least CLB 5-7 depending on your occupation’s TEER category.
Having CLB 7 or higher in all abilities opens doors to the widest range of provincial streams.
If your current scores are borderline, consider retaking your language test before applying.
Provinces nominate candidates who intend to live and work in their jurisdiction.
Your application should clearly demonstrate why you want to settle in that specific province.
Research the province’s economy, job market, and communities.
If you have family connections, job offers, or previous visits to the province, highlight these.
Weak settlement intent is a common reason for nomination refusals.
Some PNP streams operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill within hours of opening.
Set up alerts and regularly check provincial immigration websites.
When a stream opens that you qualify for, submit your application immediately.
Delays of even a few hours can mean missing a cycle entirely.
PNP applications are often refused due to incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Before applying, ensure all your documents are current, properly certified, and consistent with your Express Entry profile.
This includes educational credential assessments, language test results, reference letters with detailed job duties matching your NOC code, and proof of settlement funds.
Having documents ready before streams open allows for faster submissions.
The February 16, 2026 Express Entry PNP draw is another reminder that provincial nominations remain one of the most reliable ways to secure an invitation.
With only 279 ITAs issued, the higher 789 cutoff reflects the smaller draw size — not a sudden eligibility shift.
If you are waiting for a Canadian Experience Class draw, keep your profile active and continue strengthening your CRS score.
Treat your provincial nomination plan like a pipeline: track provinces, keep documents ready, and act quickly.
We will closely monitor IRCC’s upcoming invitation rounds and provide updates promptly.
If I get a provincial nomination, do I automatically get an ITA?
Not automatically, but it becomes highly likely since a nomination adds 600 CRS points.
Does updating my Express Entry profile help?
Common reasons for refusal:
Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website
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