The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC organization conducted its latest
Express Entry draw on February issued 8,500 PR Invitations which became the largest
Express Entry round of 2026. The draw which took place on 6 February 2026 selected
candidates through a category-based system that demonstrates the changing immigration
needs of Canada. The draw established a moderate CRS cut-off which enabled many skilled
candidates to apply while IRCC used targeted Express Entry selections to reach its labour
market and demographic goals.
Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw
● Draw Date – 6 February 2026
● Program – French Language Proficiency
● Number of Invitations – 8,500
● CRS Score – 400
The current draw shows exceptional characteristics because it received multiple invitations
during one round which resulted in more applicants who sought Canadian permanent
residency in the first months of the year.
Why This Express Entry Draw Is Significant?
The Latest Express Entry Draw On February Issued 8,500 PR Invitations demonstrates that
IRCC now prefers to conduct large category-based draws instead of frequently holding small program-specific draws. The IRCC has created better pathways to permanent residence for skilled workers who would not normally succeed in standard draws because it now issues more invitations at lower CRS thresholds.
This is because it tends to address the issue of Canada’s internal immigration policy
framework on the one hand, to meet its immigration goals while promoting active newcomers taking part in the labor market, hence further enhancing regional economic development.
Impact on Express Entry Candidates in 2026
The February draw establishes a positive direction which will continue throughout the entire
year of 2026. The IRCC draw size indicates that the organization intends to speed up the
process of permanent residence admissions while decreasing the Express Entry applicant
backlog. The upcoming months will bring advantages to candidates who possess strong
CRS scores and category-specific skills through similar extensive draws.
The current round shows applicants that they can boost their chances to receive an Invitation to Apply by enhancing their profile strengths.
What Candidates Should Do Next?
Candidates who received an ITA under the Latest Express Entry Draw On February
Issued 8,500 PR Invitation must submit a complete permanent residence application within
60 days. The application must include all needed documents which include language test
results and work experience records and medical examinations and police clearance
certificates. The individuals who did not receive an invitation during the Latest Express Entry
Draw On February should continue to check for future Express Entry rounds while they
develop their skills because IRCC plans to conduct additional large-scale and specific draws
until the end of 2026.