Express Entry Draw #395: Provincial Nominee Candidates Receive 279 Invitations

Canada continues to prioritize provincially nominated candidates as Express Entry Draw #395 issued 279 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence on February 16, 2026. This Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), specific selection targeted candidates who already held a valid provincial nomination, reinforcing the importance of provincial immigration pathways within Canada’s economic immigration system.

The latest selection round recorded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 789, reflecting the additional 600 CRS points awarded to candidates who receive a provincial nomination. The higher cut-off compared with the February 3, 2026 PNP draw (CRS 749) was largely influenced by the smaller number of invitations issued in this round.

Key Highlights From Express Entry Draw #395

The February 16 selection marked the third Express Entry draw in February 2026, continuing the trend of targeted invitations aligned with federal and provincial labour market priorities. The draw details include:

• Draw type: Provincial Nominee Program
• Invitations issued: 279
• CRS cutoff score: 789
• Tie-breaking rule: September 5, 2025 at 00:59:13 UTC

Candidates who ranked 279 or higher in the pool received invitations, provided they met all program eligibility requirements and maintained a valid nomination status.

Provincial Nominations Remain a Powerful Pathway

The results of Express Entry Draw 395 demonstrate once again that provincial nominations remain one of the most reliable ways for candidates to secure invitations for permanent residence. A provincial nomination significantly boosts CRS scores, placing applicants well above the general selection thresholds seen in most federal draws.

Provinces continue to use their nominee programs to address regional labour shortages across sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and skilled trades. As a result, candidates whose occupations align with provincial labour market demands often have improved chances of receiving nomination offers through Express Entry–aligned streams.

Current Express Entry Trends in 2026

Since the beginning of 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted multiple targeted draws, including Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and French-language proficiency selections. The continued focus on category-based and program-specific invitations suggests that Canada is maintaining a strategic immigration approach that prioritizes labour market needs rather than conducting only large, all-program draws.

The CRS distribution data shows continued competition within mid-range score bands, particularly between 451-500 CRS points, where a significant portion of candidates remains concentrated. For many applicants, obtaining a provincial nomination remains the most effective strategy to move into the highest-ranking selection categories.

Strategies Candidates Should Consider in 2026

Candidates seeking to improve their chances of receiving invitations in upcoming draws may consider:

• Applying to multiple provincial nominee streams aligned with their occupation
• Maintaining updated Express Entry profiles with accurate documentation
• Retaking language tests to improve CRS scores
• Securing Canadian work experience through temporary work permits
• Monitoring provincial occupation lists and intake periods regularly

Preparing complete documentation in advance also allows candidates to respond quickly when provincial streams open, many of which operate on limited intake windows.

Outlook for Upcoming Express Entry Draws

With several targeted rounds already conducted this year, immigration observers expect additional Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class, and category-based draws throughout the coming months. Changes in invitation volumes, CRS thresholds, and program priorities will continue to reflect Canada’s economic immigration planning for 2026. The results of Express Entry Draw #395 highlight the growing importance of provincial nominations as a pathway to permanent residence, particularly for candidates seeking a competitive advantage in Canada’s evolving Express Entry system.