Canada remained highly active in immigration selection rounds during February 2026, issuing a total of 25,722 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through federal and provincial pathways.

While Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects lower overall intake targets compared to previous years, February’s numbers clearly demonstrate that strategic candidates continue to receive strong opportunities — especially those in high-demand categories.

Here’s a complete breakdown of where the invitations went and what it means for your immigration plans.

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Overview: PR Invitations by Program (February 2026)

During February 2026, invitations were distributed across Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Immigration Program	Invitations Issued	Percentage
Express Entry	19,593	76%
Ontario (OINP)	3,229	13%
Alberta (AAIP)	1,376	5%
British Columbia (BC PNP)	889	3%
New Brunswick PNP	526	2%
PEI PNP	109	<1%
Total	25,722	100%

The majority of invitations came through Express Entry, but provincial programs also played a major role.

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Express Entry Results – February 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted six Express Entry draws during the month, including category-based and program-specific selections.

Key Express Entry Draws:

Date	Category	ITAs	CRS Cutoff
Feb 20	Healthcare Occupations	4,000	467
Feb 19	Physicians (Canadian Experience)	391	169
Feb 17	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	508
Feb 16	Provincial Nominee Program	279	789
Feb 6	French-Language Proficiency	8,500	400
Feb 3	Provincial Nominee Program	423	749

Major Highlights

🔹 French-Speaking Candidates

The largest round targeted candidates with strong French language ability.
With 8,500 invitations and a CRS score of 400, francophone candidates outside Quebec remain a top priority.

🔹 Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

A major CEC draw invited 6,000 candidates at CRS 508, reinforcing IRCC’s focus on applicants already working in Canada.

🔹 Healthcare Professionals

4,000 invitations were issued to healthcare and social services professionals, confirming Canada’s ongoing labour shortages in this sector.

🔹 Physicians Draw – CRS 169

One of the most notable draws targeted physicians with Canadian work experience at an extremely low CRS of 169 — one of the lowest thresholds in recent years.

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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario issued 3,229 invitations in February across various streams.

Targeted occupations included:

• Skilled trades (electricians, welders, carpenters)
• Registered nurses
• Early childhood educators
• Physicians

Ontario continues to prioritize occupations aligned with labour shortages and regional economic needs.

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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta conducted seven targeted draws, issuing 1,376 invitations.

The largest selection occurred under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, issuing 915 invitations.

Alberta continues its sector-based strategy, targeting:

• Technology
• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Healthcare

For candidates open to relocating outside major metropolitan areas, Alberta remains highly accessible.

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British Columbia PNP (BC PNP)

British Columbia issued 889 invitations through selective, high-impact draws.

The province focused on:

• High-wage job offers
• Candidates with strong provincial profiles
• Skilled professionals contributing to economic growth

BC continues to prioritize quality over volume.

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Atlantic Canada Immigration

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island together issued 635 invitations.

Atlantic provinces remain attractive for candidates seeking:

• Lower CRS competition
• Community-focused immigration pathways
• Employer-driven opportunities

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What February 2026 Tells Us About Canada’s Strategy

The trend is clear: Targeted selection is now the standard approach.

Canada is prioritizing:

• Healthcare workers
• French speakers
• Candidates with Canadian work experience
• Provincial nominees
• Trade professionals
• Regional applicants

General category draws are less predictable than in previous years.

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How Applicants Should Respond

If you fall into one of the high-priority categories, you should consider:

✅ Improving French language scores (TEF/TCF)
✅ Verifying your NOC classification
✅ Exploring multiple Provincial Nominee Programs
✅ Strengthening work experience documentation
✅ Creating or updating your Express Entry profile

Strategic positioning is more important than ever.

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Final Thoughts

Despite reduced immigration targets on paper, February 2026 proves that opportunities remain strong for candidates who align with Canada’s labour needs.

The key takeaway:
Canada is not slowing immigration — it is refining it.

Applicants who understand category-based selection and provincial strategies will have the highest chances of success in 2026.