Canada conducted a major CEC Draw on February 17, 2026, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class category. The minimum CRS score required in this round was 508.
This latest Express Entry round confirms that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience in 2026.
CEC Draw on February 17, 2026 – Official Details
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Date of draw: February 17, 2026
- Invitations issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS score: 508
- Tie-breaking rule: March 16, 2025
Official Express Entry draw details are published by IRCC on the government website:
Understanding the 508 CRS Cutoff in the CEC Draw on February 17, 2026
A CRS cutoff of 508 is competitive but achievable for many skilled workers already employed in Canada.
Candidates comparing this round with recent federal rounds can review our analysis of the
latest CEC draw results 2026:
Unlike Provincial Nominee Program draws, CEC-specific rounds reflect pure competition among candidates with Canadian work experience.
Express Entry Pool Breakdown – Data Analysis
The Express Entry pool currently contains over 230,000 candidates across different CRS ranges.
The largest number of candidates typically fall within:
- 451–500 CRS range
- 401–450 CRS range
The 501–600 range is significantly smaller.
By issuing 6,000 ITAs at a 508 cutoff, IRCC likely cleared a large portion of competitive CEC candidates in the 500–515 range.
This suggests upward movement and healthy turnover at the higher CRS levels.
Why IRCC Is Prioritizing Canadian Experience in 2026
The Canadian Experience Class remains central to Canada’s immigration strategy.
CEC candidates:
- Already work in Canada
- Pay taxes
- Are integrated into communities
- Require minimal settlement assistance
The official Canadian Experience Class eligibility criteria can be found here. The February 17 CEC draw supports Canada’s broader objective of transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents.
Impact on Temporary Foreign Workers and Graduates
This draw is positive news for:
- LMIA-based workers
- Post-Graduation Work Permit holders
- Closed work permit holders
- Bridging open work permit applicants
Graduates who have gained at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience remain strong candidates under the CEC pathway.
What Candidates Should Do After the February 17 CEC Draw
Candidates invited in this round must:
✔ Submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days
✔ Provide medical exams and police certificates
✔ Upload proof of employment and education
IRCC processing standards for Express Entry can be reviewed here:
Will CRS Scores Drop in Future CEC Draws?
CRS trends depend on:
- Number of new profiles entering the pool
- Draw frequency
- Annual immigration targets
- Provincial nomination activity
Candidates near the 500 mark should continue strengthening language scores or gaining additional work experience rather than waiting passively.
Final Analysis of the CEC Draw February 17, 2026
The CEC Draw February 17, 2026 confirms that Canada remains committed to candidates with Canadian work experience.
With 6,000 invitations issued and a CRS cutoff of 508, this draw provides strong opportunities for skilled workers aiming for permanent residence in 2026.
Candidates currently scoring above 500 CRS remain in a competitive position. Those slightly below should focus on profile improvement strategies to increase future chances.