Express Entry CEC Draw Today: CRS Drops to 508 – Lowest in Over a Year
- February 17, 2026
IRCC held Express Entry draw 396 today, February 17, 2026. This was a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. IRCC invited 6,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 508. This is the lowest CRS score seen in a CEC draw since August 27, 2024.
The tie-breaking rule cut off at March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC. Candidates who submitted their profiles before that date and time were invited first if they shared the lowest score.
Draw Highlights
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS score: 508
- Draw date and time: February 17, 2026 at 11:33:44 UTC
- Tie-breaking rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC
Who Was Invited in This Draw?
This draw was for CEC candidates only. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. That work must have been in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. You also need to meet language and other Express Entry requirements.
Learn more about eligibility at Canadian Experience Class.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
- The minimum CRS dropped from 509 (draw 392, January 21) to 508. That is a small but positive shift.
- IRCC has now held three CEC draws in 2026. All three invited 6,000 or more candidates.
- If your CRS is close to 508, keep your profile active and improve your score where possible.
- Adding a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS. Check your PNP options free and instantly.
- If your score is below 508, a strong French language score may qualify you for a French-language draw. The last French draw in 2026 had a cut-off of just 400.
- IRCC has not announced upcoming draw dates. Similar draws may happen again, but no date is guaranteed.
2026 Express Entry Draw Results: Complete ITA Tracker
IRCC has issued 30,457 invitations across 8 Express Entry draws so far in 2026. Track every invitation round below. This breakdown shows ITAs by draw category, CRS trends, and progress toward IRCC's annual targets.
Find the full Express Entry overview on UmberApp to learn how the system works.
All Express Entry Draws in 2026
The table below lists every Express Entry round in 2026 so far. It shows the draw date, program stream, ITAs issued, and the minimum CRS cut-off score required.
| Date | Round Type | ITAs | Min CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 508 |
| February 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 279 | 789 |
| February 6, 2026 | French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 | 400 |
| February 3, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 423 | 749 |
| January 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 509 |
| January 20, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 681 | 746 |
| January 7, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 | 511 |
| January 5, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 574 | 711 |
2026 Express Entry Draws by Program Category
This breakdown groups invitation rounds by stream. It shows draw frequency, total ITAs per category, and the CRS score range for each program type.
| Round Type | Rounds | ITAs So Far | CRS Range (Min–Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 | 20,000 | 508–511 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 1 | 8,500 | 400–400 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 | 1,957 | 711–789 |
IRCC 2026 Targets and Express Entry ITAs Issued to Date
The table below compares Express Entry ITAs against IRCC's 2026 admissions targets. ITAs and admissions are not the same. IRCC may issue multiple ITAs to reach each target.
| Bucket | IRCC 2026 Target (Admissions) | ITAs Issued So Far (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) | 109,000 | 28,500 | Includes CEC and French draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 91,500 | 1,957 | Admissions target |
| French-Speaking Outside Quebec | 9% (30,267) | 8,500 | Target is across programs; not 1:1 with ITAs |
Important: ITAs and admissions are not equivalent. Multiple ITAs may be issued to reach each admissions target, and not all ITA recipients become permanent residents.
Not sure which province suits you? Use the free PNP Finder to get instant results on eligible provincial pathways.
If You Received an ITA: What to Do Next
You have 60 days to submit a full permanent residence application after receiving an ITA. Act quickly. Gather the following documents before you start:
- Valid passport for all family members
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if required
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs, T4s)
- Police certificates from each country you lived in for 6 or more months
- Medical exam results from a designated panel physician
- Proof of funds if required
Double-check every document before you submit. Mistakes or missing files can delay or refuse your application. If you have questions about your application or any Canada immigration topic, ask your question for free.
If You Did Not Receive an ITA: Next Steps
- Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date.
- Look for ways to boost your CRS. Improving your language score is one of the most effective options.
- If you have Canadian work experience, confirm your NOC TEER category is correct on the CEC program page.
- Consider applying to a Provincial Nominee Program. A nomination adds 600 points to your CRS instantly. Find out which provinces you qualify for, free and in seconds.
- If you have strong French skills, a French-language draw may be a faster path. IRCC held one French draw in 2026 with a CRS cut-off of just 400.
- Monitor future draws on our immigration news page and connect with others in our community forums.
Use our free PNP Finder to see your eligible provincial pathways instantly. For any Canada immigration question, get a free answer from AI Chat below.