Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held another Express Entry draw on February 17, 2026, targeting the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw saw the lowest minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for a CEC-only round in more than a year.
📊 Key Results from the February 17, 2026 CEC Draw
Here’s how the latest CEC-specific draw unfolded:
- 🗓 Draw date: February 17, 2026
- 🎯 Program selected: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) only
- 🧾 Invitations issued: 6,000 ITAs
- 📈 Minimum CRS score: 508
- 🕐 Tie-breaker rule: Profiles had to be submitted on or before 9:35 a.m. (UTC) on March 16, 2025 to be eligible.
This score of 508 is notably lower than earlier CEC draws in 2026, giving more mid-range-scoring candidates a chance at permanent residence through this federal program.
📍 What This Means for CEC Candidates
The Canadian Experience Class is one of Canada’s main permanent residence pathways for candidates with Canadian work experience. It favors individuals who have lived and worked in Canada and are well positioned to integrate into the Canadian labour market.
🧠 Why the Lower Cut-Off Matters
A CRS score of 508 for this round is the lowest minimum score for a CEC draw this year, making this selection one of the most accessible CEC draws in recent history. Previously in 2026, CEC rounds had minimum CRS cut-offs of:
- 509 on January 21, 2026
- 511 on January 7, 2026
The downward trend in cut-off scores reflects evolving Express Entry dynamics, including larger draw sizes and shifts in the candidate pool.
🧠 Why CEC Draws Are Important
🧑💼 Focus on In-Canada Experience
The Canadian Experience Class is tailored to skilled workers who already have meaningful work experience in Canada — typically at least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in a qualifying occupation. This Canadian work experience can come from:
- Employment while on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Other valid temporary work status that qualifies under IRCC rules
CEC draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than general Express Entry draws because they emphasize work experience gained in Canada, which strongly predicts labour market integration.
🧠 Larger Draw Sizes Mean More Chances
By issuing 6,000 ITAs in this round, IRCC continued its approach in 2026 of holding large CEC draws, helping a greater number of candidates receive PR invites quickly. Larger draws can reduce CRS thresholds compared with smaller rounds.
📈 Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026
Canada’s Express Entry system has been active in early 2026, with multiple draws targeting different categories.
Here’s a snapshot of recent 2026 Express Entry draws:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2026 | CEC | 508 | 6,000 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | PNP only | 789 | 279 |
| Feb 6, 2026 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| Feb 3, 2026 | PNP only | 749 | 423 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | CEC | 509 | 6,000 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | CEC | 511 | 8,000 |
These numbers show a continued pattern of multiple CEC draws early in 2026.
📌 Who Should Pay Attention to CEC Draws
CEC draws are especially relevant if you:
✔ Have at least one year of Canadian skilled work experience;
✔ Are currently working in Canada and want to transition to permanent residence;
✔ Are aiming to adjust your temporary status to permanent residence quickly;
✔ Want a draw with potentially lower CRS thresholds than some other categories.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The February 17, 2026 Canadian Experience Class draw highlights Canada’s ongoing focus on skilled workers already in the country. With a 508 CRS cut-off score — the lowest in recent CEC rounds — this draw marks a significant opportunity for CEC candidates in 2026. Staying up to date with Express Entry draw patterns and preparing a strong profile remain key strategies for those pursuing permanent residence in Canada.
