Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) kicked off February with its first Express Entry draw on February 3, 2026, issuing 423 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) — but this round was exclusive to candidates with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 749, reflecting the 600-point bonus that comes with a provincial nomination.

This high cut-off highlights how PNP nominations remain one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residence under Express Entry — especially in a pool nearing 239,000 candidates.

Whether you’re aiming for Canadian PR yourself or advising others, this draw shows the ongoing importance of targeted pathways like provincial nominations and strategic profile planning. 🇨🇦


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