IRCC just released a PNP only Express Entry draw on February 16, 2026, issuing 279 Invitations to Apply with a minimum CRS of 789.

**This is the fourth PNP only draw of the year and the seventh Express Entry draw overall, landing right after the massive French language round earlier this month.**

Tie‑breaking rule: September 5, 2025 at 00:59:13 UTC,  meaning older PNP profiles were prioritized. If your nomination came in late summer or early fall 2025, this round may have picked you up.

**How This Draw Compares to Recent Rounds**

***•	Feb 16 - PNP: 279 ITAs | 789 CRS***

***•	Feb 6 - French: 8,500 ITAs | 400 CRS***

***•	Feb 3 - PNP: 423 ITAs | 749 CRS***

***•	Jan 21 - CEC: 6,000 ITAs | 509 CRS***

***	***

***•	Jan 20 - PNP: 681 ITAs | 746 CRS***

Key Insights

• Smallest PNP only draw of 2026 (279 ITAs vs. 681 in January).

• Highest CRS of the year (789), driven by the 600 point nomination boost.

• Cutoff jumped from 749 to 789, showing a surge of high‑scoring nominees in the pool.

***• Early year caution: February PNP draws in past years ranged from 400 to 1,000 ITAs, this is notably restrained.***

# IRCC has issued 24,457 ITAs so far in 2026, roughly 20% of the annual target, with most of the year still ahead.

🇨🇦** Why This Draw Matters Right No**w

***1. PNP remains the fastest path to an ITA***

A nomination = 600 CRS points to almost guaranteed selection.

But with smaller PNP rounds, timing your nomination matters more than ever.

***2. IRCC is clearing older PNP profiles first***

The tie‑break date (Sept 2025) shows IRCC is still working through last year’s nominations.

***3. Provinces are nominating aggressively in early 2026***

***Ontario, Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have already issued thousands of nominations.***

***These nominees will enter the pool and push future CRS cutoffs even higher.***

**How Recent Provincial PNP Activity Will Shape Future Federal Draws**

Only Express Entry linked PNP streams give the 600 point boost.

Here’s how provincial activity will influence upcoming federal rounds:

**1. Expect more PNP only draws, but smaller**

IRCC is pacing nominations. Most PNP rounds in 2026 may stay under 500 ITAs.

**2. CRS will remain extremely high**

With provinces nominating:

• healthcare workers

• tech professionals

• in province employees

• regional priority occupations

Future PNP‑only CRS cutoffs will likely stay in the 760 to 800 plus range.

**3. Candidates must target active provincial streams to get federal ITAs**

Here’s the early‑2026 snapshot of EE‑eligible provincial activity:

Ontario - 1,825 recent ITAs

• Employer Job Offer (Foreign Worker + International Student)

• Strong for healthcare, ECE, and regional roles

Alberta- 1,169 recent ITAs

• Opportunity Stream

• Accelerated Tech Pathway

• Ideal for in province workers and tech talent

British Columbia - 889 recent ITAs

• Skills Immigration (high‑wage + score‑based)

• Great for high earners and regional job offers

Manitoba - 76 recent ITAs

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba

• Strategic Recruitment

• Strong for local experience holders

New Brunswick - 326 recent ITAs

• Express Entry

• Strategic Initiative (Francophone‑friendly)

PEI - 26 recent ITAs

• Labour plus Express Entry

• Best for applicants with employer ties

**What this means for candidates**

**Ontario and Alberta will likely drive the largest federal PNP waves in the coming months.**

💡 **Who Should Target PNP Streams for Future ITAs**

**In‑Canada Workers & Students**

**Best options:**

**• Ontario (healthcare, ECE, regional roles)**

**• Alberta (tech + in‑province experience)**

**• BC (high‑wage + SIRS score‑based)**

Overseas Applicants

Best options:

• BC Skills Immigration (regional jobs)

• NB Express Entry (ties + Francophone advantage)

• NS Labour Market Priorities (healthcare)

Lower CRS Candidates (300 to 500 range)

Your fastest path is:

Secure a provincial nomination to  gain 600 points to  get an ITA.

Francophones

You have the strongest advantage in:

• New Brunswick

• Manitoba

• Federal French‑language draws

🧭 ***Actionable Steps to Improve Your Chances***

***1. Check active EE‑linked PNP streams (OINP, AAIP, BC PNP, NB PNP, MPNP).***

***2. Strengthen employer ties if you’re already in Canada.***

***3. Update your Express Entry profile with new work experience and language scores.***

***4. Monitor provincial websites, many draws happen without advance notice.***

🔍 Final Takeaway

This February 16 PNP only draw is small but strategically important.

IRCC is pacing early year invitations while provinces continue nominating aggressively.

With thousands of new nominees entering the pool, expect:

• More PNP only draws

• High CRS cutoffs

• Intense competition

• A surge in mid year ITAs

If you want to be selected in future federal rounds, your best move is to secure a provincial nomination now.

🎤 *Did you get an ITA today?*

*Share your CRS, province, and nomination timeline, your experience helps others understand what’s happening in 2026.*

Express Entry Update, Smallest PNP Draw, 279 ITAs at 789 CRS, Today - Feb 16, 2026