In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw 395 on February 16, 2026, issuing 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The CRS cut-off score reached 789 – a figure that, while high on the surface, is entirely expected for PNP-specific draws, where a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s score.
This draw reinforces the continued importance of provincial pathways in Canada’s immigration strategy for 2026, particularly for skilled workers who may not yet be competitive in general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw 395
| Draw Number | 395 |
| Date | February 16, 2026 |
| Program | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 279 |
| CRS Cut-off Score | 789 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | September 5, 2025 |
The higher CRS cut-off compared to previous draws in February is a direct result of the smaller invitation pool. When fewer ITAs are issued, top-ranked candidates are selected first – pushing the minimum threshold upward. For candidates already holding a provincial nomination, however, this has virtually no impact on eligibility, as the 600-point nomination boost places them well above the threshold in nearly every draw.
Complete Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
What Express Entry Draw 395 Means for Candidates
IRCC’s Continued Focus on Provincial Nominees
Provincial Nominee Programs remain one of the most powerful tools in the Express Entry ecosystem. By securing a provincial nomination, candidates effectively leapfrog tens of thousands of applicants in the CRS pool. With 279 PNP candidates invited in Draw 395 – and thousands more invited through CEC draws earlier in January – it is clear that IRCC is actively prioritizing candidates with strong ties to specific provinces and Canadian work experience.
The 2026 draw pattern so far includes both large CEC rounds (with CRS cut-offs as low as 509) and targeted PNP draws. This dual-track approach signals that IRCC is deliberately managing the composition of the permanent resident pool, balancing inland candidates already working in Canada with provincially-selected nominees.
Why a CRS Score of 789 Is Normal for PNP Draws
New candidates often misread a CRS cut-off of 789 as impossibly high. In reality, any candidate who has received a provincial nomination automatically receives 600 additional CRS points on top of their existing score. A candidate with a base CRS of 200 would therefore appear in the pool at 800 points – well above the 789 threshold. The effective competition in PNP draws is based on base scores below 189, not total scores near 789.
Who Qualifies for PNP-Specific Express Entry Draws?
To be eligible for Provincial Nominee Program draws in Express Entry, candidates must:
• Hold a valid provincial or territorial nomination from one of Canada’s participating provinces
• Have an active Express Entry profile that reflects their nomination
• Meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs
• Plan to live and work in the nominating province (outside of Quebec, which has its own immigration system)
How to Strengthen Your Provincial Nomination Chances
For candidates who do not yet hold a nomination, the path to a PNP draw invitation begins with securing one. Here are the most effective strategies:
• Apply to multiple provincial streams where your occupation and experience qualifies
• Monitor occupation-specific and employer-driven streams aligned with regional labour shortages
• Improve language test scores – many provincial thresholds require CLB 7 or higher
• Demonstrate strong ties to the province, including job offers, previous residence, or family connections
• Keep your Express Entry profile accurate and up to date to remain eligible for Expressions of Interest from provincial programs
CRS Pool Trends and What to Expect in Upcoming Draws
Recent Express Entry pool data shows a high concentration of candidates in the 501-600 CRS range, with many actively working to boost scores through language retests and educational upgrades. The two large CEC draws in January (totalling 14,000 ITAs) have already cleared a significant number of high-scoring CEC candidates, which may affect the composition of future rounds.
Immigration analysts anticipate a continued mix of CEC and PNP draws through Q1 and Q2 of 2026, with potential category-based rounds targeting healthcare workers, STEM professionals, and French-language speakers. These draws have historically featured lower CRS cut-offs than general rounds and can be highly advantageous for candidates in targeted occupations.
Candidates currently in the pool should ensure their profiles remain updated, particularly employment history, language scores, and educational credentials. Even small discrepancies can affect nomination eligibility or delay application processing.
Key Statistics: 2026 Express Entry Draws to Date
• Total ITAs issued in 2026 (as of February 16): 15,534
• CEC ITAs: 14,000 across 2 draws
• PNP ITAs: 1,534 across 3 draws
• Lowest CRS cut-off in 2026: 509 (CEC draw, January 21)
• Highest CRS cut-off in 2026: 789 (PNP draw, February 16)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the CRS score drop below 490 in 2026?
It depends on draw size and category selection. General draws have typically exceeded 500 CRS in recent years, but category-based draws – especially those targeting French speakers or specific occupations – have historically dipped below 490. If IRCC continues issuing large CEC draws, scores could fall further. Sustained sub-490 thresholds in general draws remain uncertain without a significant increase in invitation volumes.
Is a CRS score of 450 competitive in 2026?
A base score of 450 is currently below the threshold for general draws. However, it can be competitive in category-based draws or through a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points and essentially guarantees an ITA. Improving language scores, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination are the most effective ways to improve competitiveness at this level.
Which province is easiest to get a nomination from in 2026?
There is no single “easiest” province – eligibility depends heavily on occupation, work experience, language ability, and whether you have a job offer or existing ties to the province. Smaller provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and the Atlantic provinces tend to have more accessible streams for candidates with in-demand skills. The best approach is to assess which provincial streams align with your specific NOC code and qualifications.
Is Canada still granting PR in 2025-2026?
Yes. Canada continues to process and grant permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and other economic streams. The federal immigration levels plan maintains robust targets for economic immigration, and draws have been issued regularly in 2026. Permanent residence pathways remain widely available, particularly for skilled workers with Canadian experience or provincial nominations.
The Bottom Line
Express Entry Draw 395 issued 279 ITAs to PNP candidates with a CRS cut-off of 789, continuing IRCC’s pattern of regular, program-specific draws in 2026. For candidates without a provincial nomination, the priority is clear: securing a nomination is the single most impactful step you can take to guarantee competitiveness in future Express Entry rounds.
At Earnest Immigration, our licensed consultants work with you to identify the most suitable provincial streams based on your occupation, experience, and goals – and guide you through every step of the nomination and Express Entry application process.
Ready to move forward? Contact the Earnest Immigration team today to assess your eligibility and build a strategy tailored to your profile.
