Latest Express Entry Draw On Feb 17 Sent 6000 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 17 February 2026, 11:48 AM EST (Toronto Time)

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw on February 17, 2026, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with Canadian work experience.

This program-specific draw continues IRCC’s strategic focus on selecting skilled workers who have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into Canada’s labor market and society.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this draw was 508 points, reflecting the competitive nature of the Canadian Experience Class category in 2026.

The Canadian Experience Class has become one of the most active draw categories under Express Entry, with IRCC conducting multiple CEC-specific rounds throughout 2025 and into 2026.

February 17, 2026 Express Entry Draw Details

Draw Parameter	Details
Program	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Date and Time of Round	February 17, 2026
Number of ITAs Issued	6,000
CRS Score Cut-Off	508 points
Rank Required	6,000 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule	March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC

The tie-breaking rule is applied when multiple candidates share the same lowest CRS score in a draw.

For this round, candidates with a CRS score of exactly 508 points were only invited if they had submitted their Express Entry profile before March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC.

This timestamp determines the order of selection among candidates with identical scores.

Understanding the Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of three federal economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

The CEC was specifically designed to provide a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who have already gained Canadian work experience.

IRCC prioritizes CEC candidates because they have already demonstrated their ability to successfully integrate into Canadian society and contribute to the economy.

These candidates understand the Canadian workplace culture, have established professional networks, and often have stronger settlement outcomes compared to newcomers arriving directly from abroad.

The CEC is particularly popular among international students who have graduated from Canadian institutions and gained work experience through Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), as well as temporary foreign workers who have been contributing to the Canadian labor market.

This pathway recognizes the valuable investment these individuals have already made in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class Draw Trends in 2026

The Canadian Experience Class has emerged as one of IRCC’s preferred pathways for selecting permanent residents in 2026.

The immigration department has demonstrated a clear focus on candidates who are already present in Canada and have proven their ability to contribute to the economy.

In early 2026, IRCC conducted several significant CEC draws.

January saw an 8,000-ITA draw with a cut-off of 511, followed by a 6,000-ITA draw with a cut-off of 509, which represented the lowest CEC cut-off since September 2024.

These draws demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to clearing inventory from the Express Entry pool while maintaining reasonable CRS thresholds.

The frequency and size of CEC draws in 2026 reflect Canada’s updated immigration strategy, which prioritizes candidates already in the country.

This approach helps convert temporary residents to permanent residents, addressing concerns about population growth while ensuring that new permanent residents are well-integrated into Canadian society from day one.

Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation to Apply

Candidates who received an ITA in the February 17, 2026, Express Entry draw have 60 calendar days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).

This deadline is firm, and failing to submit within this timeframe will result in the invitation being cancelled.

The permanent residence application must include comprehensive documentation to support your eligibility.

Required documents typically include valid identity documents such as

passports,
language test results demonstrating you meet the minimum requirements for your TEER category,
reference letters from employers detailing your job duties, hours worked, and wages received,
T4 tax slips and pay stubs to verify your claimed work experience,
police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 18, and
results from an immigration medical examination conducted by an IRCC panel physician.

IRCC aims to process 80% of Express Entry applications within six months of receiving a complete submission.

However, processing times can vary based on application complexity, background verification requirements, and current processing volumes.

Applicants should ensure their documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays caused by requests for additional information.

What to Expect from CEC Draws Going Forward

Based on current trends and IRCC’s stated priorities, Canadian Experience Class draws are expected to remain a significant component of the Express Entry system throughout 2026.

The government’s focus on converting temporary residents to permanent residents suggests continued activity in this category.

CRS cut-offs for CEC draws may fluctuate based on several factors, including the size of draws, the composition of the Express Entry pool, and IRCC’s admissions targets.

Candidates should monitor draw results regularly and be prepared to submit their applications when cut-offs align with their CRS scores.

The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan maintains permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year, with economic immigration representing the largest proportion.

This suggests that CEC draws will continue at a steady pace, providing regular opportunities for qualified candidates to receive invitations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your CEC Application

Many applicants make preventable errors that delay or jeopardize their permanent residence applications.

Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and ensure a smoother application process.

One frequent mistake is misaligning job duties with NOC codes. The job title your employer uses may not match the NOC code you claim in your application.

IRCC officers evaluate your eligibility based on your actual duties, not your title.

Ensure your reference letters describe duties that match the lead statement and main duties of your chosen NOC code.

Another common error is claiming ineligible work experience. Experience gained during full-time studies, through self-employment, or as an unpaid intern does not count toward CEC eligibility.

Be honest about your work history and only claim hours that truly qualify under the program requirements.

Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation is a major cause of application delays and refusals.

Before submitting, cross-reference all dates, job titles, and details across your Express Entry profile, reference letters, tax documents, and any other supporting evidence.

Any discrepancies will raise red flags and potentially trigger additional verification.

The February 17, 2026, Express Entry draw demonstrates IRCC’s continued commitment to selecting permanent residents who have already proven their value to the Canadian economy.

With 6,000 ITAs issued at a CRS cut-off of 508 points, this CEC-specific draw provides a meaningful pathway for skilled workers with Canadian experience.

For candidates currently in the Express Entry pool or considering entering it, the CEC remains one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residence.

By focusing on maximizing your CRS score through language improvements, additional experience, and strategic planning, you can position yourself for success in future draws.

Those who received invitations in this draw should begin preparing their documentation immediately to ensure a smooth application process.

With careful attention to detail and complete documentation, successful applicants can expect to receive their permanent residence within approximately six months of submitting their complete applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply under the Canadian Experience Class if my work experience is from remote work?

Yes, remote work can count toward CEC eligibility, but you must have been physically located in Canada while performing the work for a Canadian employer. IRCC may request evidence confirming your physical presence in Canada during the claimed work period, such as lease agreements, utility bills, or other documentation proving Canadian residency during that time.

What happens if my work permit expires while my permanent residence application is being processed?

If you have submitted a permanent residence application through Express Entry, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). The BOWP allows you to continue working legally in Canada while awaiting a decision on your PR application. To qualify, you must hold valid status in Canada, have submitted a complete PR application, and your current work permit must be expiring. Apply for the BOWP before your current permit expires to maintain continuous work authorization.

Is there a difference between CEC draws and category-based draws for candidates with Canadian work experience?

Yes, there is a difference. CEC-specific draws target all candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class program, regardless of their occupation or other attributes. Category-based draws, such as those for healthcare occupations or French-language proficiency, may include CEC-eligible candidates but prioritize those with specific skills or characteristics. A candidate eligible for both a CEC draw and a category-based draw could potentially receive an ITA through either type of round.

Can I combine work experience from multiple employers or multiple NOC codes to meet the CEC requirement?

Yes, you can combine work experience from different employers and different NOC codes to reach the required 1,560 hours, as long as all experience falls within the qualifying TEER categories (0, 1, 2, or 3). Your work experience does not need to be continuous. However, ensure that hours worked beyond 30 per week in any given period are not counted, as IRCC only considers a maximum of 30 hours per week toward the requirement.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website