Canada continues to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience through the Express Entry system. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, offering thousands of skilled workers the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
On February 17, 2026, IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #396. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 508 to receive an invitation.
Express Entry Draw Results – February 17, 2026
Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of Invitations Issued: 6,000
Minimum CRS Score: 508
Rank Required: 6,000 or above
Date & Time of Round: February 17, 2026 at 11:33:44 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC
Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 508 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before March 16, 2025, at 09:35:59 UTC.
If multiple candidates had the lowest CRS score, the cut-off was determined based on the date and time their profiles were submitted.
Why This CEC Draw Matters
Canadian Experience Class draws remain a key pathway for temporary residents already working in Canada. These rounds help transition skilled workers with local experience into permanent residents and support Canada’s labour market needs.
This latest draw helps to:
- Retain skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s economy
- Support employers facing labour shortages
- Provide a clear pathway to permanent residence for international graduates and workers
- Strengthen long-term economic growth through experienced talent
CEC-specific draws are particularly important for candidates with Canadian work experience who may not have extremely high CRS scores but remain strong candidates for permanent residence.
Express Entry Snapshot (Canadian Experience Class)
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | 6,000 | 508 |
This latest round highlights IRCC’s continued use of targeted Express Entry draws to manage immigration levels and support Canada’s workforce needs. With steady invitations for Canadian Experience Class candidates, temporary residents in Canada remain well-positioned for permanent residence opportunities in 2026.
🎉 Congratulations to the 6,000 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!
If you are working in Canada and planning to apply through Express Entry, CEC-focused draws continue to be one of the most reliable pathways to Canadian permanent residence.
