Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Canada has conducted multiple Express Entry Draws in 2026 across various immigration categories including Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French-language proficiency, Healthcare, and Physicians.
In just the first two months of the year 2026, (IRCC) has already issued 34,848 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry.
This complete guide provides a full breakdown of all Express Entry Draws in 2026, including CRS cutoffs, category trends, and what candidates should expect next.
Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2026
Below is the complete and verified list of Express Entry Draws in 2026 held so far:
| Draw # | Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 | Feb 20, 2026 | Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 | 467 |
| 397 | Feb 19, 2026 | Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 391 | 169 |
| 396 | Feb 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 508 |
| 395 | Feb 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 279 | 789 |
| 394 | Feb 6, 2026 | French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 | 400 |
| 393 | Feb 3, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 423 | 749 |
| 392 | Jan 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 509 |
| 391 | Jan 20, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| 390 | Jan 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 | 511 |
| 389 | Jan 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 574 | 711 |
These Express Entry Draws held in 2026 show a mix of general, program-specific, and category-based selection rounds.
Official draw information is published by IRCC here:
Total Invitations Issued in Express Entry Draws in 2026
So far in 2026:
Total ITAs issued = 34,848
This strong start suggests Canada remains committed to meeting its immigration targets for the year. The various type of draws held in 2026 so far are as under.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC ) in Express Entry Draws 2026
CEC rounds remain consistent in 2026.
| Date | ITAs | CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 7 | 8,000 | 511 |
| Jan 21 | 6,000 | 509 |
| Feb 17 | 6,000 | 508 |
CRS scores show a gradual downward trend from 511 to 508.
The most recent round of CEC was held on 17th feb.
CEC continues to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program in Express Entry Draws 2026
PNP rounds in Express Entry Draws 2026 show high CRS cutoffs due to the additional 600 points awarded for provincial nomination.
| Date | ITAs | CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 5 | 574 | 711 |
| Jan 20 | 681 | 746 |
| Feb 3 | 423 | 749 |
| Feb 16 | 279 | 789 |
The highest CRS score so far in 2026 is 789 out of which 600 points are awarded by the province.
French-Language Proficiency Draw
The largest of all Express Entry Draws of 2026 so far occurred on February 6:
- 8,500 ITAs
- CRS 400
This lower CRS score reflects Canada’s continued push to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Healthcare and Physicians in Express Entry Draws in 2026
Healthcare-specific selection has become a key feature in Express Entry Draws 2026.
Healthcare & Social Services
- Feb 20, 2026
- 4,000 ITAs
- CRS 467
Full healthcare analysis here
Physicians Draw
- Feb 19, 2026
- 391 ITAs
- CRS 169
The Physicians draw recorded the lowest CRS score in Express Entrry draw in 2026 so far.
CRS Trends in Express Entry Draws in 2026
Highest CRS: 789 (PNP)
Lowest CRS: 169 (Physicians)
Largest Draw: 8,500 ITAs (French)
Most Stable Category: CEC
The variation in Express Entry Draws 2026 demonstrates how category-based selection is reshaping Canada’s immigration strategy.
What Express Entry Draws in 2026 Mean for Candidates
If you are in the Express Entry pool:
Category-based draws may improve your chances
CRS cutoffs vary by program
Healthcare and French speakers remain prioritized
CEC remains steady
Candidates should ensure their profiles are accurate and up-to-date.
You can check eligibility on the official IRCC site:
What to Expect Next in Express Entry Draws 2026
Based on current trends:
- More CEC draws likely
- Additional healthcare rounds possible
- Continued PNP rounds
- Further French-language selection
Express Entry Draws 2026 suggest Canada will continue balancing economic needs with sector-specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Express Entry Draws 2026 have been held so far?
Ten draws have been conducted so far across CEC, PNP, French, Healthcare and Physicians categories.
What is the lowest CRS score in Express Entry Draws 2026?
The lowest CRS score so far is 169 in the February 19 Physicians draw.
Which Express Entry Draw 2026 issued the most ITAs?
The February 6 French-language proficiency draw issued 8,500 ITAs.
Are CEC draws continuing in Express Entry Draws 2026?
Yes. Multiple CEC draws have been held with CRS scores between 508 and 511.
