Canada Issues New Express Entry Draw: February 3, 2026 Provincial Nominee Program Round
Canada has released details of its latest Express Entry round of invitations, held on February 3, 2026, confirming a continued focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
The draw was conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and targeted candidates who had already received a provincial or territorial nomination.
Latest Express Entry Draw Results (February 3, 2026)
This was a program-specific round limited to Provincial Nominee Program candidates.
Key details:
Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Date of draw: February 3, 2026
Time: 13:21:40 UTC
Number of invitations issued: 423
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 749
Rank required: 423 or above
Tie-breaking rule: December 16, 2025 at 22:30:36 UTC
If more than one candidate had a CRS score of 749, IRCC applied the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time the Express Entry profile was submitted.
Why Was the CRS Cut-Off So High?
A CRS score of 749 is typical for PNP-specific draws.
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination are awarded 600 additional CRS points, which means:
The underlying CRS score before nomination may be much lower
This draw was not intended for candidates without a provincial nomination
As a result, this cut-off does not reflect the competitiveness of general or category-based Express Entry draws.
How Express Entry Rounds of Invitations Work
IRCC issues invitations to apply for permanent residence through rounds of invitations held throughout the year. Each round follows a structured process:
IRCC selects the type of round to be held
It determines how many candidates are needed
The highest-ranking eligible candidates are identified
Invitations to apply for permanent residence are issued
Types of Express Entry Rounds
There are three main types of Express Entry rounds:
1. General Rounds of Invitations
Invitations are issued to top-ranking candidates eligible under one of the three Express Entry-managed programs.
2. Program-Specific Rounds
Invitations are limited to candidates eligible under a specific program, such as the Provincial Nominee Program.
3. Category-Based Rounds
The Minister establishes a category to meet a specific economic or labour-market goal, and invitations are issued to eligible candidates within that category.
To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must be eligible under one of the three programs managed through Express Entry.
What This Draw Means for Applicants
This draw reinforces several important points for Express Entry candidates:
Provincial nominations remain one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence
High CRS cut-offs in PNP rounds should not discourage non-PNP candidates
Strategic planning—including provincial options—can significantly improve outcomes
Profile submission timing can matter due to tie-breaking rules
Candidates without a provincial nomination may still be competitive in future general or category-based draws, but relying on a single pathway can limit options.
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we help clients understand how Express Entry draws affect their individual circumstances and develop strategies that align with IRCC’s evolving approach.
Our work includes:
Identifying viable Provincial Nominee Program options
Strategic planning for future draws
Advice following refusals, delays, or missed invitations
If you are unsure how this latest Express Entry draw impacts your path to permanent residence, speaking with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help clarify your next steps.