First Express Entry Draw Of February Sent 423 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 3 February 2026, 12:15 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the first Express Entry draw of February 2026 on Monday, issuing 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates with provincial nominations.

The Provincial Nominee Program draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 749, solidifying the importance of PNP draws.

The draw comes as the Express Entry pool has grown to 238,920 candidates as of February 2, 2026, reflecting intense competition for Canadian permanent residence.

February 3, 2026 Express Entry Draw Details

Draw ComponentDetailsProgramProvincial Nominee ProgramDate and TimeFebruary 3, 2026Number of Invitations Issued423CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate749Rank Required423 or aboveTie-Breaking RuleDecember 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC

The tie-breaking rule indicates that if multiple candidates shared the minimum CRS score of 749, invitations went to those who submitted their Express Entry profiles earliest.

The cutoff timestamp of December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC means any candidate with a score of 749 who submitted their profile after this date and time would not have received an invitation in this draw.

Understanding The 749 CRS Cutoff

A CRS score of 749 might seem extraordinarily high to candidates in the Express Entry pool, but this number reflects the 600-point boost that provincial nominations provide.

In practical terms, the successful candidates in this draw likely had base CRS scores of approximately 149 points before adding their provincial nomination bonus.

Here is how the math works:

Base CRS Score (without nomination): ~149+ points

Provincial Nomination Bonus: +600 points

Total CRS Score Required: 749 points

This demonstrates that even candidates with relatively low core CRS scores can secure permanent residence invitations through the Provincial Nominee Program pathway.

The 600-point nomination bonus effectively guarantees an invitation to apply, making PNP one of the most powerful routes to Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry Pool Composition As Of February 2, 2026

As of February 2, 2026, the Express Entry pool contained 238,920 candidates, representing nearly a quarter million skilled workers competing for Canadian permanent residence.

CRS Score RangeNumber of Candidates601-1200 (includes PNP nominees)423501-60014,911491-50013,586481-49013,417471-48016,617461-47015,791451-46015,400451-500 (Total)74,811441-45014,700431-44014,923421-43013,267411-42013,197401-41012,175401-450 (Total)68,262351-40053,276301-35018,9490-3008,288TOTAL238,920

What The Pool Numbers Tell Us

The pool composition reveals several important insights for Express Entry candidates:

Highest buildup in 451-500 Range: Nearly 75,000 candidates are clustered between 451-500 CRS points. These candidates are close to but below typical Canadian Experience Class cutoffs.

Limited High-Score Candidates: Only 423 candidates currently have scores above 600, almost all of whom have provincial nominations. This explains why PNP draws are conducted so quickly.

Massive Mid-Tier Pool: More than 68,000 candidates sit in the 401-450 range. These applicants likely need either a provincial nomination, category-based draw eligibility (French, healthcare, trades), or significant CRS improvement to receive invitations.

Growing Lower Tiers: Over 80,000 candidates have scores below 400, representing individuals who will need alternative pathways or substantial profile improvements.

The first Express Entry draw of February 2026 sets the tone for what candidates can expect in the coming weeks.

With IRCC’s continued emphasis on category-based selection and the Express Entry pool approaching 239,000 candidates, competition remains fierce.

Candidates without provincial nominations should focus on:

Improving language scores to reach CLB 9 for maximum CRS points

Learning French to qualify for French-language draws with lower cutoffs

Actively pursuing provincial nominations across multiple provinces

Positioning for category-based draws in healthcare, education, or skilled trades

Ensuring their Express Entry profiles are complete and error-free

The 423 candidates who received invitations in this draw demonstrate that Canadian permanent residence remains achievable, but success increasingly requires strategic planning rather than passive waiting.

Those who adapt to the category-based selection model and pursue provincial nominations are finding the fastest paths to their Canadian immigration goals.

Stay tuned to Immigration News Canada for updates on upcoming Express Entry draws, provincial nominee program announcements, and strategies to strengthen your immigration profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Provincial Nomination

Can I Apply To Multiple Provincial Nominee Programs At The Same Time?

Yes, you can submit applications to multiple PNP streams across different provinces simultaneously. There is no rule preventing you from applying to Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan at the same time, for example. However, once you receive and accept a nomination from one province, you cannot hold multiple nominations. You must reject any additional nomination offers before accepting one. Additionally, be prepared to demonstrate genuine intent to settle in whichever province nominates you, as provinces may ask why you applied to multiple jurisdictions.

What Happens If I Receive A Provincial Nomination But My CRS Score Is Still Below Recent Draw Cutoffs?

Once you receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream, 600 points are added to your CRS score. Since the maximum base CRS score is around 600 for single applicants and 560 for those with spouses, the 600-point nomination bonus will push your score well above 1,000 points. PNP-specific Express Entry draws typically have cutoffs between 680-780, meaning virtually all PNP nominees receive invitations within one or two draws of accepting their nomination. The nomination essentially guarantees an ITA.

Can A Province Withdraw My Nomination After I Have Already Applied For Permanent Residence?

Yes, provinces retain the authority to withdraw nominations under certain circumstances, even after you have submitted your federal permanent residence application. Common reasons for withdrawal include discovering misrepresentation or false information in your application, finding that you no longer meet program requirements, determining that you have abandoned your intent to settle in the nominating province, or if you fail to respond to requests for additional information. If your nomination is withdrawn after you have applied for PR, IRCC will refuse your application. This is why maintaining accurate documentation and genuine settlement intent is critical throughout the entire process.

After Becoming A Permanent Resident Through PNP, Am I Legally Required To Live In The Nominating Province?

Legally, no. Once you become a Canadian permanent resident, Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants you mobility rights to live and work anywhere in Canada. Provinces cannot enforce residency requirements after PR is granted. However, there are important considerations. The nomination reflects your stated intent at the time of application, so moving immediately after receiving PR may be considered misrepresentation if you never intended to settle there. Some immigration professionals recommend residing in the nominating province for at least 6-12 months before relocating to avoid potential issues with future citizenship applications or if misrepresentation concerns arise. Additionally, leaving too quickly could affect other provincial nominees if IRCC and provinces perceive widespread non-compliance.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.