Express Entry Draw 396: Key Details
- Draw Number: 396
- Date: February 17, 2026
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations Issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 508
- Tie-breaking rule: March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC
This is the third CEC draw of 2026, highlighting sustained momentum for candidates with Canadian work experience.
What Express Entry Latest Draw 396 Means for Candidates
The high CRS cut-off in Express Entry Draw 396 indicates a dense concentration of candidates scoring above 500. Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing applicants who are already contributing to the workforce, including temporary foreign workers and international graduates.
For candidates with CRS scores below 500, the latest trend suggests that relying solely on general draws may not be sufficient in 2026.
Strong Focus on Canadian Experience Class in 2026
The Canadian Experience Class remains a key pathway for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. It is specifically designed for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to transition to long-term settlement.
Express Entry Draw 396 continues the pattern seen earlier this year, where CEC-specific rounds issued thousands of invitations at relatively high CRS thresholds.
Express Entry Pool Competition Remains Intense
Recent data shows that the majority of candidates in the Express Entry pool fall within the CRS 451–500 range, creating intense competition for invitations.
The tie-breaking rule in Express Entry Draw 396 also reveals that candidates who submitted profiles earlier have a significant advantage when scores are tied.
Alternative Pathways for Lower CRS Candidates
With CRS scores remaining high, candidates may need to explore strategic options such as:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Category-based draws (e.g., French language proficiency)
- Improving language test scores
- Gaining additional work experience
A provincial nomination remains the most effective way to secure an ITA, as it adds 600 CRS points to a candidate’s profile.
Outlook for Future Express Entry Draws
This New Express Entry Draw signals that Canada’s immigration strategy in 2026 will continue to prioritize candidates already in the country and those aligned with labour market needs.
While large invitation rounds are encouraging, the consistently high CRS cut-offs suggest that candidates must adopt proactive strategies to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.
Conclusion
IRCC‘s Latest Express Entry Draw is another major round for CEC candidates! Issuing 6,000 invitations but maintaining a competitive CRS threshold of 508. The draw underscores the importance of strategic profile improvement and alternative pathways for candidates aiming to secure Canadian permanent residency in 2026.