First Express Entry Draw of February Invites PNP Candidates

Canada’s immigration department has started February with a new Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Canada’s immigration department has started February with a new Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw held on February 3, 2026. The round was exclusively for candidates who had received a provincial nomination, which continues the department’s recent preference for applicants already selected by Canadian provinces.

New Express Entry Draw

To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to meet a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 749. In addition, eligible profiles must have been submitted to the Express Entry pool before 10:30 p.m. (UTC) on December 16, 2025.

Express Entry Draw Result – 3 Feb 2026

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

This draw marked the first Express Entry selection of February 2026 and reinforced IRCC’s ongoing strategy of prioritising candidates who already have strong ties to Canada through provincial nomination. The Immigration Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued total 15,678 Invitation to Apply (ITAs) this  year until 3rd February draw.

Provincial Nominee Program draws continue to play an important role within the Express Entry system. Candidates nominated by a province receive an additional 600 CRS points, which significantly increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply. As provinces actively select candidates to meet local labour market needs, PNP-linked Express Entry pathways remain one of the most reliable options for skilled workers with in-demand profiles.

Looking ahead, Express Entry selections in 2026 are expected to remain targeted rather than broad. IRCC has so far focused on candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, and specific language abilities, indicating that category-based and program-specific draws are likely to dominate this year. Applicants who align their profiles with these priorities may have better prospects in the coming months.

Call the trusted Migration Expert Now

If you have received a provincial nomination or are planning to apply through Express Entry, this PNP-focused draw could be relevant to your profile. To understand your eligibility and next steps, speak with our immigration experts today. Call us on Toll-Free 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com to get started.

- Rajneesh Kumar