Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of February 2026, focusing specifically on candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A total of 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued during this targeted draw. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 749 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 10:30 p.m. UTC on December 16, 2025, to be considered.
This draw marks the fifth overall Express Entry selection for 2026, continuing IRCC’s recent trend of prioritizing individuals already in Canada, particularly those with provincial nominations or significant Canadian work experience.
So far this year, Express Entry draws have primarily targeted two groups: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants and PNP candidates. There have been two draws in each of these categories, demonstrating a strategic focus on candidates who are already contributing to local labor markets across provinces.
A breakdown of 2026 ITA numbers to date shows 14,000 invitations issued to CEC candidates and 1,255 to PNP applicants, for a total of 19,478 ITAs. The largest draw of the year occurred on January 7th, when 8,000 ITAs were issued to CEC candidates with a CRS cut-off of 511.
Here’s a summary of the Express Entry draws so far in 2026:
– January 5: PNP draw, CRS 711, 574 ITAs
– January 7: CEC draw, CRS 511, 8,000 ITAs
– January 20: PNP draw, CRS 746, 681 ITAs
– January 21: CEC draw, CRS 509, 6,000 ITAs
– February 5: PNP draw, CRS 749, 423 ITAs
IRCC is expected to continue this domestic focus in upcoming draws, supporting Canada’s goal to integrate skilled immigrants who are already contributing to the economy. For PNP candidates in particular, securing a nomination significantly boosts their CRS score and strengthens their path to permanent residency.
Maple News will provide ongoing coverage of all Express Entry activity as Canada continues to implement responsive immigration policies aligned with labor market needs.