Published by: Di Leone Group – Canadian Immigration Consultants
Date: February 17, 2026
On February 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
This round issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, reinforcing Canada’s 2026 strategy of prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience.
If you are currently working in Canada or recently gained eligible work experience, this draw is especially relevant for you.
Key Details – Express Entry Draw February 17, 2026
Program targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of ITAs issued: 6,000
Minimum CRS score: 508
Date of draw: February 17, 2026
Tie-breaking rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC
Candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508 or higher received an ITA, provided their profile was submitted before the tie-breaking timestamp.
For official details, refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website under Express Entry rounds of invitations.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
1️⃣ CRS 508 – Still Competitive, but Achievable
A CRS cut-off of 508 remains competitive; however, it reflects continued opportunity for candidates with:
Strong Canadian work experience
High language test scores (IELTS or CELPIP)
Post-secondary education
Additional points for spouse factors or French
Compared to previous years, this score shows moderate stabilization within CEC-specific draws.
2️⃣ IRCC’s 2026 Strategy: Prioritizing In-Canada Applicants
So far in 2026, IRCC has focused heavily on:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
French-language proficiency draws
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
This indicates a strategic shift toward selecting candidates who:
✔ Are already contributing to the Canadian labor market
✔ Have proven economic integration
✔ Can transition quickly to permanent residence
For temporary residents in Canada, this is a strong signal of opportunity.
February 2026 Draw Comparison
Here’s how the February 17 draw compares to other recent rounds:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 6, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 8,500 | 400 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 279 | 789 |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 6,000 | 508 |
The variation in CRS scores reflects category-based selection priorities under the Express Entry system.
What To Do If You Received an ITA
If you were invited in this round, you now have 60 calendar days to submit your complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) through Express Entry.
Important steps:
Gather police certificates and medical exams
Upload proof of work experience and education
Ensure language test results remain valid
Double-check all information matches your profile
Accuracy is crucial. Any discrepancies may result in refusal or processing delays.
Express Entry Trends in 2026
Based on recent rounds, we are observing:
🔹 Strong Focus on CEC
IRCC is continuing to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience.
🔹 Category-Based Draws Continue
French-language and PNP draws remain frequent, showing diversified immigration pathways.
🔹 CRS Fluctuation Depends on Draw Type
CRS thresholds are no longer consistent across all programs. Instead, they vary significantly depending on the targeted category.
This means candidates must strategically optimize their profile rather than rely on general trends.