Canada issues 279 ITAs in latest Express Entry PNP draw with a minimum CRS score of 789

By Vicky

Feb 17, 2026 | 2 min read

On February 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw 395, inviting 279 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 789, reflecting the significant 600-point boost awarded to candidates with a provincial nomination. This latest draw highlights Canada’s continued reliance on provincial immigration pathways to address regional labour shortages and meet long-term immigration targets.

Express Entry Draw 395: Key Facts

Draw Number: 395
Date and Time: February 16, 2026 — 14:28:06 UTC
Program: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP-only)
Number of ITAs Issued: 279
Minimum CRS Score: 789
Tie-breaking Rule: September 05, 2025 at 00:59:13 UTC

Under this Express Entry draw 395, invitations were issued exclusively to candidates who already held a provincial nomination linked to their Express Entry profile.

Ministerial Instructions Behind Draw 395

The Ministerial Instructions governing Express Entry draw 395 created a specific ranking group consisting of candidates in the PNP class under Express Entry.

Key Elements of the Instructions are :

Definitions
Eligible foreign national: A candidate in the Express Entry pool under general instructions
Group ranking: Ranking among eligible PNP candidates in this draw

Grouping
Limited to candidates eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program class

Invitation Period
ITAs issued between February 16 and February 17, 2026

Invitation Cap
Maximum of 279 invitations

Required Rank
Invitations issued to the top 279 candidates

The instructions were signed in Ottawa by Minister Lena Metlege Diab. Under authority granted by section 10.3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

What Express Entry Draw 395 Means for Candidates

This draw sends a clear message to immigration aspirants:

Provincial Nomination Is the Game-Changer
Without a nomination, reaching such a high CRS score is nearly impossible.

Strong Base Profiles Still Matter
Even with the 600-point boost, candidates must meet provincial eligibility criteria.

Targeted Immigration Is the Future
Canada is increasingly prioritizing candidates who meet specific regional workforce needs.

Final Thoughts

The latest Express Entry PNP draw reinforces the importance of Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada’s immigration strategy. For candidates aiming for permanent residence, securing a provincial nomination remains one of the most effective pathways to receive an Invitation to Apply.