Express Entry Alert: Canada Issues 423 Invitations in First February 2026 Draw

The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 has officially taken place, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is continuing its trend of targeting candidates already established in the provincial systems.

Today, IRCC issued 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The Draw at a Glance

• Date: February 3, 2026

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Only

• Invitations Issued: 423

• CRS Score Cut-Off: 749

• Tie-Breaking Rule: December 16, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. UTC

What Does a Score of 749 Mean?

If you see a CRS score of 749 and feel discouraged, remember this: Candidates in this draw automatically received 600 points for having a provincial nomination.

This means their base human capital score (based on age, education, language, and work experience) was actually around 149. This draw highlights the immense power of securing a nomination from a province like Ontario (OINP), British Columbia (BCPNP), or Alberta (AAIP). Without that nomination, these candidates likely would not have been invited today.

2026 Trend: Domestic Focus Continues

We are seeing a clear pattern in 2026. IRCC is prioritizing candidates who are already in Canada or have strong ties to specific provinces.

So far this year, there have been five draws, and all of them have focused on either the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

• Total ITAs in 2026: 19,478

• CEC Invitations: 14,000 (Two massive draws in January)

• PNP Invitations: 1,255 (Three specific draws, including today’s)

This “domestic-first” strategy is great news for temporary foreign workers and international graduates currently working in Canada, but it signals that offshore candidates need to be more strategic than ever—likely by targeting a provincial nomination to break into these draws.

What Should You Do Now?

If you are sitting in the pool without an invitation, today’s draw is a reminder that a high CRS score isn’t the only way to get Permanent Residence.

1. Check Your Provincial Options: Are you eligible for a stream in Ontario, BC, or Saskatchewan that aligns with your NOC code?

2. Improve Your Language Scores: Even a small bump in CLB levels can open up new PNP streams.

3. Update Your Profile: Ensure your profile was created before the tie-break date to maximize your chances in the next round.

How We Can Help You Secure Your PR

With the cut-off scores fluctuating and IRCC focusing heavily on PNP candidates, navigating the Express Entry system requires a precise strategy. You cannot simply enter the pool and wait.

Our immigration team specializes in identifying the “hidden” pathways you might be missing. Here is how we support your journey:

• PNP Matchmaking: We scan every open provincial stream to find where your specific skills are in demand right now.

• CRS Optimization: We audit your profile to find every unclaimed point, from education assessments to spousal factors.

• Application Management: Once invited, we handle the entire permanent residence application to ensure you don’t face delays or rejections due to missing documents.

Don’t let another draw pass you by.

Contact us today to book your Express Entry Strategy Session and find out if a Provincial Nomination is the key to your Canadian future.

Disclaimer: Immigration streams and score requirements change frequently. Always consult the official IRCC website or a qualified immigration consultant for the most current advice.