Canada Immigration Update: On February 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in the Express Entry system. They issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with Canadian work experience. This draw aligns with IRCC’s strategy of selecting skilled workers who have integrated into Canada’s labor market and society. The cut-off score for this draw was 508 points, reflecting the competition in the CEC category.
On February 17, 2026, IRCC held a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw and issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cut-off of 508. You can verify the official draw details on the Government of Canada page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
What the tie-break rule means
IRCC uses a tie-break rule when many candidates have the same lowest CRS score. For this draw, candidates with CRS 508 were invited only if their profile was submitted before the stated timestamp. The tie-break rule is explained within the official rounds page here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
Who CEC is for (simple reminder)
CEC is for people with skilled Canadian work experience (TEER 0–3) who meet IRCC’s program rules. Official eligibility requirements are listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html
If you are counting remote work, it usually only counts if you were physically in Canada while doing the work and you meet all other CEC requirements. Use the same official eligibility page to confirm what applies to your situation:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html
If you received an ITA: next steps
After you receive an ITA, you generally have 60 days to submit your complete PR application. IRCC’s step-by-step instructions are here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
Common documents and steps often include:
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Police certificates (rules and timing matter):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/police-certificates.html -
Medical exam instructions:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams.html -
Finding an approved panel physician:
https://www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
If your work permit may expire during PR processing, check whether you qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pr-work-permits/bridging.html
Reality check
A draw result is a snapshot, not a guarantee. Cut-offs can change based on IRCC’s targets and the pool. Always confirm draw results directly from IRCC’s official rounds page (not social media summaries):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
