Express Entry: Canada Sends Hundreds of Invitations to Provincial Nominees

Canada has issued another round of invitations to immigration candidates through its Express Entry system, focusing this time on provincial nominees.

Officials sent out 356 invitations to apply for permanent residence in the latest draw. This round targeted candidates who had already received a nomination from a province or territory, which significantly boosts their chances of selection.

High Score Requirement

To qualify for this round, candidates needed a minimum score of 802 under the Comprehensive Ranking System. This score reflects factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Applicants also had to create their Express Entry profile before 3:54 a.m. UTC on February 12, 2026. Those who met both conditions entered the selection pool for this draw.

Focus on Provincial Nominees

This latest round marks the eighteenth Express Entry draw of the year. So far in 2026, immigration officials have focused strongly on candidates already living and working in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program draws have played a key role in this strategy. Provinces and territories select candidates based on local labour needs, then recommend them for permanent residence.

Since the start of the year, officials have held seven draws specifically for provincial nominees, showing a clear trend toward selecting candidates with strong ties to a region.

Other Draws in 2026

Alongside provincial nominee selections, Canada has invited candidates from several other categories this year. These include individuals with Canadian work experience, French-language skills, and experience in key sectors such as healthcare.

The Canadian Experience Class has seen multiple draws, with thousands of invitations issued each time. French-speaking candidates have also received strong attention, with large rounds of invitations earlier in the year.

Specialized draws have targeted healthcare workers, physicians, and senior managers with Canadian experience. These focused rounds aim to fill urgent gaps in the workforce.

Rising Number of Invitations

So far in 2026, Canada has issued 53,580 invitations through Express Entry. The majority have gone to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, followed by French-speaking applicants.

Provincial nominees have received a smaller share, with 2,939 invitations issued under that category to date. However, their higher scores reflect the added value of a provincial nomination.

A Clear Direction for Immigration

Recent draws show that Canada continues to prioritize candidates who can quickly settle into the workforce. By selecting individuals with local experience or provincial backing, officials aim to meet labour demands more effectively.

This approach also supports regional growth by helping provinces attract skilled workers who match their specific needs.