IRCC held an Express Entry draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates on February 16, 2026. In this round, 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, and the lowest CRS score invited was 789. You can confirm the official draw details on IRCC’s “Rounds of invitations” page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html.
This draw mainly matters if your Express Entry profile already has an active provincial nomination. If you do not have a nomination, this result does not directly change your ranking today.
Official draw details (IRCC)
According to IRCC, the February 16, 2026 round was:
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Round type: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Invitations issued: 279
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Minimum CRS invited: 789
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Tie-breaking timestamp: shown on the IRCC draw page (used when candidates have the same CRS score)
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html.
Why PNP CRS scores are usually high
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points under “additional points.” IRCC lists this clearly in the CRS criteria table: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html.
That’s why PNP-specific cut-offs can look much higher than other draw types.
Who this draw applies to
This draw targets candidates who:
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are in the Express Entry pool, and
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have an Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination (“enhanced” nomination).
PNP overview (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html.
If you’re nominated, IRCC explains how the nomination is confirmed/accepted in your account here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/express-entry/get-confirm-nomination.html.
What to do if you received an ITA
If you got an ITA, review the PNP Express Entry process and prepare your PR application carefully:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/express-entry.html.
Also note: after receiving an ITA, you typically have a limited time to submit your application (IRCC commonly states 60 days in their operational guidance):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/terms-definitions-related-permanent-residence.html.
FAQ
Does a provincial nomination guarantee PR?
No. A nomination adds 600 CRS points, which makes an ITA much more likely in a PNP draw, but you still must submit a complete application and pass all checks. CRS points source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html.
What does the tie-breaking rule mean?
If multiple candidates have the same CRS at the cut-off, IRCC uses the date/time the profile was submitted (shown on the official draw page). https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html.
Where should I verify draw results?
Always use IRCC’s official draw page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html.
