Express Entry 2026: February draws

During February 2026, more than 25,000 foreigners were invited to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) through the Express Entry system.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched draws in various categories, with Proficiency in French and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) issuing the most ITAs (Invitations to Apply). 

Other categories, such as the Health sector and Provincial Nomination (PNP), were also considered in the rounds, thus maintaining consistency.

In this blog, I will present a detailed summary of the February 2026 lotteries and give recommendations for those who received the ITA. Read to the end and take note so that you can apply for PR with a greater chance of success.

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February 2026 Express Entry: Draws with more ITAs

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Draw 394 (8,500 ITAs): On February 6, 2026, under the category: French Proficiency Level 2026 - Version 2, the highest number of invitations for the month was issued with 8,500 ITAs and a minimum CRS score of 400 was required.

Draw 396 (6,000 ITAs): On February 17, 2026, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category issued 6,000 ITAs and required a minimum CRS score of 508.

Draw 398 (4000 ITA): On February 20, 2026, the category: Occupations in the field of health and social services, 2026 (Version 3), issued 4000 ITA and required a minimum CRS score of 467.

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Analysis 

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Mastering French: The Key to Canada

In 2025, the Canadian government prioritized the selection of French-speaking candidates and issued more than 70,000 ITAs. This year promises to be similar in terms of the number of issuances, as the priority remains in place according to the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Proficiency in French remains a master key to opening the doors to Canada and emigrating with a chance of success. Not only because the immigration process is faster with Express Entry or because there are specific pathways such as Mobilité Francophone, but also because of the opportunities to find employment in positions where French is required.

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Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Lowest CRS score

The CEC is a migration pathway aimed at highly competitive profiles in terms of work experience in Canada, education, and language skills. Normally, the required score is very high, and not all profiles manage to achieve it. However, in February, the CRS score decreased.

Last January, CEC scores ranged from 511 to 509 points; this month, the score was 508.

Although the requirements remain high, one factor makes all the difference for candidates, because it determines whether or not they receive an invitation based on their current profile. 

Note: As of 2026, you must have completed 365 days of work experience in Canada before receiving the invitation.

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Health as a priority: What you need to know about Version 3

The government wants 15% of all invitations in the Economic Class (which includes Express Entry) to be for the healthcare sector. 

Doctors, nurses, and related professionals have great opportunities to apply for permanent residency this year due to the enormous need for these professionals in the country.

In 2026, IRCC will more strictly require one full year (365 days) of continuous work experience (within the last three years) in one of the specific NOCs on the list. 

Note: It is not permitted to add months from different occupations if they do not belong to the same code. 

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Draw 397 - "Physicians" subcategory: On February 19, 2026, Express Entry launched its first round exclusively for those who already have a license or experience in Canada. 

This draw marks a turning point for these professionals, with a historic score of just 169 CRS points.

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First round in February: Provincial priority

Draw 393 - Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). On February 3, 423 invitations were issued with a CRS score of 749. 

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Recommendations following the ITA

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If you already have the ITA, the first thing you should know is that you have 60 days to submit your application without any errors.

• Starting in 2025, you must upload proof ofyour Upfront Medical Exam in order to submit your application. You can request the exam before receiving your ITA, but it is best to do so immediately after receiving it so that the results are valid throughout the entire processing time for your residency.
  

• Process police records from all countries where you have lived for more than six months (within the last 10 years). You should have researched the processing times for each country in advance.

• All unofficial documents in English/French must be translated by a certified professional.

• Obtain letters with letterhead, salary, hours, and NOC (functions). At this stage, you should already know which NOC applies to you.

• It is essential to verify that the Language Test (IELTS, TEF, etc.) and the ECA are not about to expire during the process.

• If you were invited under the French or Health categories of the FSW program, remember that proof of funds is mandatory and you must obtain an official letter from your bank showing your average income over the last 6 months. The money should already be in your account (it cannot be borrowed).

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Important: In 2026, IRCC is cross-referencing data with artificial intelligence and professional social networks (LinkedIn). Verify that there are no discrepancies between the Main Duties in your Express Entry profile and the job descriptions you have uploaded to your networks, as this is leading to suspicion of misrepresentation.  

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Do you need to evaluate your documents before submitting your application? If you have questions about the process, at Immiland Canada, we can help you.

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Immiland Canada Immigration Services

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We are CICC-regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers specializing in immigration processes.

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You can request a Free Assessment of your immigration profile by clicking here.

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If you would like to schedule a consultation to apply for your RP with us, click here.

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I hope this topic will guide you in securing your Permanent Residency process in 2026. 

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Thank you for reading. See you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada