Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted an unexpected Express Entry draw during a statutory holiday, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
To qualify for this round of invitations, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508. Additionally, applicants must have created their Express Entry profile before 9:35 a.m. (UTC) on March 16, 2025.
Latest Draw Details
- Draw Date: February 17, 2026
- Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
- Number of Invitations: 6,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 508
Express Entry Draws List 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | Number of ITAs |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This latest round marks the eighth Express Entry draw of the year and the third draw specifically targeting Canadian Experience Class candidates in 2026.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has primarily focused on candidates already residing in Canada. The majority of draws have targeted applicants with provincial nominations and those with Canadian work experience, reflecting the government’s emphasis on transitioning temporary residents to permanent residents.
Express Entry Draws Held in 2026 (So Far)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| French Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
ITAs Issued Through Express Entry in 2026
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| French Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,957 |
| Total | 30,457 |
The latest CEC draw continues to highlight Canada’s strategy of prioritizing skilled workers with established Canadian experience as part of its 2026 immigration plans.
