Canada continued to open doors for skilled immigrants in February 2026, issuing 25,722 invitations to apply for permanent residence across federal and provincial programs. While the federal government reduced overall immigration targets under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan, this month’s numbers show that strong opportunities still exist for candidates who align with priority categories.
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and various provincial nominee programs highlights a clear trend. Healthcare professionals, French language candidates, individuals with Canadian work experience, and provincial nominees dominated the invitation rounds.
If you fall into one of these high demand groups, your pathway to Canadian permanent residence may be more achievable than you think.
This detailed breakdown covers all major draws conducted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and provincial immigration streams in February 2026, including Comprehensive Ranking System scores, categories selected, and strategic insights for applicants.
A total of 25,722 invitations were issued in February 2026 through federal Express Entry draws and provincial nominee programs.
Below is the distribution of invitations across major programs:
| Program | Invitations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | 19,593 | 76% |
| Ontario OINP | 3,229 | 13% |
| Alberta AAIP | 1,376 | 5% |
| BC PNP | 889 | 3% |
| New Brunswick PNP | 526 | 2% |
| PEI PNP | 109 | <1% |
| Total | 25,722 | 100% |
Despite lower national immigration targets, these numbers confirm that Canada is still actively selecting immigrants who meet labour market needs.
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The majority of invitations came through the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Six draws were conducted in February, issuing a total of 19,593 Invitations to Apply.
February was particularly active, with four draws conducted between February 16 and February 20 alone.
| Date | Category | ITAs Issued | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 | Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 | 467 |
| Feb 19 | Physicians | 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 |
| Total | 19,593 |
The largest draw took place on February 6, targeting French speaking candidates. A total of 8,500 invitations were issued with a minimum CRS score of 400.
This single draw represented 43 percent of all Express Entry invitations issued in February. It also reinforces Canada’s commitment to francophone immigration outside Quebec.
For candidates with moderate French skills, investing in TEF or TCF language testing can significantly increase selection chances.
On February 17, 6,000 invitations were issued under the Canadian Experience Class with a CRS cutoff of 508. This was the second largest draw of the month.
Canada continues to prioritize individuals already contributing to the economy through skilled Canadian work experience.
Healthcare professionals received major attention. On February 20, 4,000 invitations were issued to healthcare and social services occupations with a CRS score of 467.
Even more remarkable was the physician specific draw on February 19, where 391 doctors received invitations with a CRS cutoff of just 169. This is one of the lowest CRS thresholds ever recorded in Express Entry history.
The message is clear. Canada urgently needs medical professionals.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program was the most active provincial program in February, issuing 3,229 invitations across multiple streams.
Ontario received a nomination allocation of 14,119 for 2026 and moved quickly to use it.
| Target Group | Date | Invitations | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Trades | Feb 18 | 1,404 | 50 to 80+ |
| Healthcare and ECE | Feb 2 | 1,649 | 36 to 56+ |
| Physicians | Feb 2 | 129 | 33+ |
| REDI Regional Pilot | Feb 2 | 47 | 34 to 69+ |
Ontario focused heavily on skilled trades, nurses, early childhood educators, and physicians.
For trades professionals such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and carpenters, Ontario presents strong nomination opportunities.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program issued 1,376 invitations across seven draws in February 2026.
Alberta’s targeted approach allows it to address sector specific labour shortages.
| Stream | Date | Invitations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opportunity Stream | Feb 2 | 915 | 57 |
| Rural Renewal | Feb 10 | 212 | 54 |
| Accelerated Tech | Feb 11 | 147 | 59 |
| Construction | Feb 19 | 50 | 61 |
| Manufacturing | Feb 12 | 32 | 50 |
| Agriculture | Feb 17 | <10 | 49 |
| Law Enforcement | Feb 6 | <10 | 50 |
The largest draw targeted the Alberta Opportunity Stream, issuing 915 invitations.
Candidates in technology, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and rural sectors have increased pathways through Alberta’s focused draws.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program issued 889 invitations in February 2026.
British Columbia adopted a selective strategy, focusing on high wage earners and candidates with strong economic impact potential.
| Date | Criteria | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | $62 per hour or $125K annually OR Score 135+ | 460 |
| Feb 4 | $70 per hour or $145K annually OR Score 138+ | 429 |
BC is clearly prioritizing high income professionals and strong provincial scoring profiles.
Candidates seeking nomination in British Columbia should focus on securing competitive job offers and strengthening regional employment factors.
Atlantic provinces also remained active.
| Province | Stream | Date | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | Skilled Worker Healthcare | Feb 11 | 196 |
| New Brunswick | Express Entry | Feb 2 | 170 |
| New Brunswick | Strategic Francophone | Feb 2 | 160 |
| Prince Edward Island | Labour and Express Entry | Feb 19 | 109 |
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program offered steady pathways for skilled workers.
Atlantic provinces typically have lower competition and strong community integration opportunities, making them attractive options for many candidates.
The February 2026 data confirms that targeted category based selection is now the standard approach.
Generic profiles that once succeeded without specialization must now be strategically aligned.
You should act immediately if you fall into any of these groups:
If your CRS score is below 500, provincial nominee programs may significantly improve your chances. Alberta conducted seven draws in one month alone, while Ontario targeted dozens of trade occupations.
Here are actionable steps based on February’s patterns:
The 25,722 invitations issued in February 2026 demonstrate that Canada remains committed to welcoming skilled immigrants. However, success now depends on aligning your profile with priority sectors.
Healthcare workers, French speakers, provincial nominees, and candidates with Canadian experience dominated the month’s selections.
Understanding these patterns can help you build a stronger immigration strategy.
You have 60 days from the date of receiving your Invitation to Apply to submit your complete permanent residence application through the IRCC online portal. This deadline cannot be extended.
Yes. You can maintain an active Express Entry profile while applying to provincial programs. If nominated, you receive 600 additional CRS points.
If your updated score remains at or above the draw cutoff, you may proceed. If it falls below the cutoff, you should decline the invitation to avoid refusal risks.
No. Profiles remain valid for 12 months. You can re enter as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
No. After nomination, you must still pass federal medical, criminal, and security checks. The federal government makes the final decision.
February 2026 was one of the most active months for permanent residence invitations in recent years. With 25,722 invitations issued across federal and provincial programs, Canada continues to prioritize skilled immigrants who meet specific labour market needs.
The key takeaway is simple. Targeted strategy matters more than ever.
Align your profile with healthcare, French language proficiency, Canadian experience, or provincial labour priorities. Study draw trends carefully and act decisively to strengthen your application.
Canada is still inviting thousands of immigrants every month. The opportunity is there for those who prepare strategically and position themselves correctly.
