February 2026 Express Entry Draw Explained in Simple Words

First Express Entry Draw of February 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first Express Entry draw of February 2026 on February 3, 2026.
In this draw, 423 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

Importantly, this draw was only for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, which shows how valuable provincial nominations are right now.

Why This Draw Is Important

To begin with, the minimum CRS score required was 749, which is very high.
However, this high score mainly comes from the 600 extra points given to candidates who already have a provincial nomination.

As a result, PNP candidates continue to have a strong advantage in Express Entry.

Express Entry Draw Details (February 3, 2026)

Here are the key details of the draw:

• Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Date: February 3, 2026
• Invitations Issued: 423
• Minimum CRS Score: 749
• Rank Required: 423 or higher
• Tie-Breaking Rule: December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC

What Is the Tie-Breaking Rule?

In case multiple candidates had the same CRS score of 749, IRCC used a tie-breaking rule.

This means that candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles earlier were invited first.

Therefore, if someone had a score of 749 but created their profile after December 16, 2025, they did not receive an invitation in this draw.

Understanding the 749 CRS Cutoff

At first glance, a 749 CRS score looks extremely difficult to achieve.
However, this score includes the 600-point bonus from a provincial nomination.

In simple terms, this is how it works:

• Base CRS score (without nomination): around 149+ points
• Provincial Nomination bonus: +600 points
• Total CRS score required: 749 points

So, even candidates with lower base scores can still get invited if they secure a provincial nomination.

Why PNP Is a Powerful Pathway

Because of the 600 extra points, a provincial nomination almost guarantees an invitation.

That is why the Provincial Nominee Program has become one of the strongest and fastest routes to Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry Pool Size (As of February 2, 2026)

Meanwhile, the Express Entry pool has grown significantly.

As of February 2, 2026, there were 238,920 candidates competing for Canadian PR.

This clearly shows that competition is very high.

What the Pool Numbers Tell Us

1. Heavy Competition in the 451–500 Range

Nearly 75,000 candidates are stuck between 451–500 CRS points.
These candidates are close to getting invited but usually fall short of the cutoff.

2. Very Few High-Score Candidates

Only 423 candidates have scores above 600.
Almost all of them are PNP nominees, which explains why PNP draws happen quickly.

3. Large Mid-Level Group (401–450 CRS)

More than 68,000 candidates fall in this range.
These applicants usually need:

• A provincial nomination
• Category-based selection (French, healthcare, trades)
• Or a major CRS improvement

4. Growing Lower Score Groups

Over 80,000 candidates have scores below 400.
These candidates will need alternative pathways or strong profile upgrades.

What This Draw Means for Future Candidates

Overall, this first draw of February 2026 sets the tone for the coming weeks.

With IRCC focusing more on category-based selection and the pool nearing 239,000 candidates, competition is expected to remain tough.

What Candidates Should Do Now

Candidates without provincial nominations should take active steps, such as:

• Improving English scores to reach CLB 9
• Learning French to qualify for French-language draws
• Actively applying for PNP programs in multiple provinces
• Preparing for category-based draws (healthcare, education, skilled trades)
• Keeping their Express Entry profiles accurate and updated

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, the 423 candidates invited in this draw prove that Canadian permanent residence is still achievable.

However, success now depends more on smart planning rather than waiting passively.

Those who adapt to category-based selection and pursue provincial nominations are finding the fastest and most reliable paths to Canada.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).