Canada invites 25,722 PR Candidates in February 2026 across Express Entry and Provincial Programs

In February 2026, Canada invited 25,722 PR candidates for permanent residence. Even though in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the immigration targets have been reduced, opportunities remain high for candidates in the skilled categories who align with priority categories. The summary of the February 2026 draws is discussed in further detail.

Canada Immigration Latest News 2026 - Express Entry Draws

In the month of February, six Express Entry draws in category-based and programme-specific rounds were held by IRCC, and in total 19,593 invitations were issued.

In the Express Entry February 2026 draw, Canada's focus on growing the Francophone communities outside Quebec is further reinforced with 8,500 applicants invited with a CRS score as low as 400 in the French language proficiency draw (the largest Express Entry draw of the month). The Canadian Experience Class draw, the second-largest draw of the month, issued 6,000 invitations at a CRS cut-off of 508.

Physicians with Canadian work experience was the most noteworthy draw of the month, with 391 invitations issued and a remarkably low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of just 169 points.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program - Canada PR draw February 2026

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program issued the greatest number of invitations, with 3,229 invitations issued across several targeted streams in February 2026. The selections largely focused on skilled trades, healthcare professionals, early childhood educators, and physicians. Ontario is Canada’s most active immigration province. In 2026, the nomination allocation from the federal government for Ontario is 14,119.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - Canada PR February 2026

In February 2026, 1,376 invitations across seven targeted draws in different streams and priority sectors were issued through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Through targeted draws addressing the province's labour market needs, Alberta continues to be one of Canada’s most active immigration provinces.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program - Canada PR invitations February 2026

In IRCC latest draw 2026 in the month of February, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program conducted two focused draws and invited 889 candidates who are most likely to be top economic contributors. Through the draws, the province prioritized applicants with strong profiles and those who earned high salaries or competitive scores. In the first draw

Candidates with $62/hr + $125K/year wage OR a score of 135+ were targeted, and in the second draw, $70/hr + $145K/year wage OR a score of 138+ were targeted.

Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - Canada PR February 2026

Atlantic Canada continues to appeal to newcomers thanks to reduced competition, smaller communities, and stronger settlement support. In the draws conducted in February 2026, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island together issued 635 invitations.

Another direct pathway to settle in the region is a job offer from a designated employer in the region, which allows the candidate to pursue permanent residence through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Strengthen Your PR Application

Skilled workers are given priority in Canada, and success greatly depends on how you align your profile with the priority categories and strengthen your application.

• Review whether you qualify for category-based draws.
• Improve your French since even moderate skills can significantly boost your chances.
• Try to work in Canada and have Canadian work experience to qualify under CEC-focused draws.
• Try to relocate to provinces that hold active draws in your occupation.

To strengthen your profile and to plan your PR application strategically, get the support of immigration professionals. ImmiLaw Immigration can help you with your immigration process, maximizing your chance of success.