Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held an unannounced (surprise) Express Entry draw on February 16, 2026, inviting 279 candidates who have received a provincial nomination to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
This latest draw continues Canada’s ongoing focus in 2026 on selecting Express Entry profiles tied to provincial nominations — a key strategy to fill regional labour shortages and support economic growth across Canada’s provinces and territories.
📊 Key Results from the February 16, 2026 Draw
Here’s how the surprise draw unfolded:
- 🗓 Draw date: February 16, 2026
- 🎯 Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only
- 🧾 Invitations issued: 279 ITAs
- 📈 Minimum CRS score: 789 points
- 🕐 Tie-breaker date: Candidates must have submitted their Express Entry profile on or before 12:59 a.m. (UTC) on September 5, 2025 to be considered.
The high CRS score reflects the strong profiles of candidates who already hold provincial nominations — which automatically add 600 points to a candidate’s Express Entry ranking, lifting their position well above many others in the pool.
📌 What Surprise Means Here
Unlike some draws that follow a regular schedule or target specific categories like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), this Express Entry round was not widely anticipated or listed in a forecast — hence why CIC News χαρακτηρίζει it “surprise.” It nonetheless follows IRCC’s broader 2026 trend of choosing in-Canada and province-linked candidates ahead of general draws.
This approach helps Canada meet its Permanent Resident admission goals while aligning with labour and economic needs across provinces.
📊 Express Entry Activity in 2026 (So Far)
2026 has seen a rapid pace of Express Entry activity with multiple draws held so far, including:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| Feb 6, 2026 | French-Language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Altogether, Canada has issued thousands of invitations across different selection categories in 2026 — emphasizing not just CEC and French-language draws, but multiple PNP-only rounds aimed at candidates already tied to provinces and territories.
🧠 Why PNP Candidates Remain in Focus
Provincial Nominee Candidates are a priority in Express Entry draws largely because they:
🎯 Are already identified as needed by a province
Holding a provincial nomination signals that a candidate’s skills, experience, and job offer are a strong match for that province’s labour market needs.
📈 Receive a significant CRS advantage
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) total, practically guaranteeing an invitation in most rounds.
🛠 Support broader immigration goals
Targeting PNP nominees helps Canada meet its immigration levels plan by encouraging settlement outside major urban centres and supporting regional economic growth.
This is part of a larger trend: IRCC’s selection patterns in early 2026 show a consistent focus on candidates already working or studying in Canada, especially those with strong provincial ties.
📌 What Invited Candidates Should Do Next
If you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this draw, here’s what to keep in mind:
✔ You now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC.
✔ Ensure all supporting documents (education, work experience, language tests, proof of funds, etc.) are ready and accurate.
✔ Because this round required a high CRS score, many successful candidates will have competitive profiles — but deadlines must still be met.
✔ If you also have an Express Entry profile, a successful PR application from this ITA will allow you to transition from temporary status to permanent residency.
🧠 Final Takeaway
This “surprise” Express Entry draw holds a reminder for candidates: Canada’s immigration selection continues to evolve in 2026, with strong emphasis on province-nominated profiles and targeted draws alongside large category selections like French-language proficiency and Canadian Experience Class rounds. Staying updated and ready to act quickly remains essential for hopeful applicants.
