Canada's Express Entry system is still an important way for qualified workers and international professionals to get permanent residency in Canada. The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 was a focused round for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. This is a trend that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is likely to focus on in the first few months of the year.
This article looks at the results of the most recent draw, explains what they mean for people who are applying for Express Entry, and gives candidates useful tips on how to improve their prospects in future rounds.
What Happened in the First February Express Entry Draw?
The first draw for Express Entry this month was on February 3, 2026. Only people who were in the PNP could get in.
Keep these important things in mind:
• Invitations Sent: 423 people who wanted to run for PNP got ITAs.
• The CRS cut-off score is 749. This includes the 600-point bonus for people who are nominated by a province.
• Profiles must be done by 10:30 p.m. on December 16, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. Eligible candidates must have created their Express Entry profile by that time (UTC). In 2026, Express Entry has drawn in five times. IRCC says that qualified workers with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience get first dibs..
Why the PNP Draw Matters for Skilled Workers
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by the Express Entry system to rank candidates for Canada's main economic immigration path. Every draw invites the people with the highest scores to apply for permanent residency. If a candidate gets a nomination from a Canadian province or territory, they can get up to 600 extra points, which almost always means they will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Benefits of Provincial Nomination
There are a lot of excellent aspects about the PNP stream:
• Big CRS Boost: If you get a provincial nomination, your profile will gain 600 more points.
• More Likely to Be Chosen: PNP nominees with a high CRS score are almost sure to get ITAs in targeted draws.
• Meeting the Needs of Workers: Some provinces use the PNP to fill employment openings, and they often give precedence to candidates depending on their talents and job offers.
In regular Express Entry rounds, persons with higher scores usually do better. On the other hand, PNP drawings favor persons who are ready to work and have strong ties to the province.
How the 749 CRS Cutoff Works
A CRS score of 749 might seem impossible to get at first. But this score includes the 600-point bonus that PNP candidates get.
Example of a Breakdown
• Base CRS Score: about 149 points
• PNP Bonus: 600 points
• Total: about 749 CRS points
This means that even candidates with fairly low base scores can get an ITA if they have a provincial nomination. This makes the PNP one of the best ways to get permanent residency in Canada.
Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws (2026)
Express Entry patterns in 2026 show a strong focus on PNP and category-based draws:
|
Draw Date |
Draw Type |
CRS Cut-off |
ITAs Issued |
|
Feb 3, 2026 |
PNP only |
749 points |
423 |
|
Jan 20, 2026 |
PNP only |
746 points |
681 |
|
Jan 21, 2026 |
CEC |
509 points |
6,000 |
|
Jan 5, 2026 |
PNP only |
711 points |
574 |
There is a lot of competition in the pool, and thousands of people are trying to get invitations. Category-based draws like PNP and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are becoming the most popular ways to get them, especially for skilled workers who want things to happen faster.
Tips to Improve Your Express Entry Profile
If you’re planning to apply under Express Entry, especially with a PNP focus, consider the following steps to strengthen your profile:
1. Pursue a Provincial Nomination
Different provinces offer PNP streams targeting specific occupations and skills. Research the ones that match your profile and apply strategically.
2. Maximize Language Scores
Higher results on IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF can significantly boost your CRS score.
3 Work Experience
work experience often drives higher CRS scores and improves eligibility for PNP streams.
4. Consider Spousal Factors
If applicable, include your spouse’s education and language scores to increase total CRS points.
5. Stay Informed on Category Draws
IRCC continues to conduct category-based draws targeting specific sectors or language proficiency groups.
FAQs: Express Entry PNP Draw of February
1. What is the Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw?
The PNP draw is a special Express Entry round that invites candidates who have been nominated by a province. This gives them a 600-point CRS boost and makes them the first choice.
2. How many candidates were invited in the first February 2026 draw?
IRCC issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to PNP candidates on February 3, 2026.
3. What is the minimum CRS score required for this draw?
The minimum CRS cut-off score for this PNP draw was 749 points.
4. What CRS score range do PNP candidates typically have?
Because of the 600-point nomination bonus, PNP candidates usually appear in the 700+ CRS band, even if their base score is relatively low.
5. Can candidates below the 749 CRS score threshold still succeed?
Yes,if they secure a provincial nomination or qualify for other category-based draws like CEC, healthcare, or French-language streams.
What This Means for Your Immigration Plans
The first Express Entry draw of February shows how important PNP paths are for competent individuals who want to go to Canada and stay there. If you are a skilled worker, an investor, or a family member, these patterns can help you make a good immigration plan.
Canada is still open to those with good job prospects, especially those who fit the needs of the provincial labor market. You can put yourself in a good position for success. You can do this by paying attention to provincial nominations, improving your language skills, and staying up to date on CRS trends.
Conclusion
The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 shows that Canada is putting more weight on people who want to be nominated for the Provincial Nominee Program. This is part of a larger plan to connect skilled immigrants with the needs of the economy in each region. PNP is still a great way to get permanent residence in Canada, even though there were 423 ITAs given out and a high 749 CRS cut-off. Are you ready to make your Express Entry profile better? Call our immigration experts today for one-on-one help and to raise your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply.
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