Express Entry Draw #395 February 16 2026: Surprise PNP – 279 ITAs at CRS 789 (+40)
IRCC Draw #395 on Feb 16, 2026 @ 14:28:06 UTC: Provincial Nominee Program issues 279 invitations, CRS cutoff jumps 40 points to 789 due to smaller round size. February total ITAs: 9,202. Pool at 235,695 with intense 501+ competition.
📅 Feb 16 @ 14:28:06 UTC
🎯 PNP Category
🚨 CRS 789 (+40)
279 ITAs
Updated: February 17, 2026 | Source: IRCC Official + immigrationnewscanada.ca
789
CRS Cutoff
+40
From Feb 3 PNP
279
ITAs Issued
235,695
Pool Size (Feb 15)
🔥 Draw #395 Full Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | 395 |
| Date & Time | February 16, 2026 at 14:28:06 UTC |
| Category | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
| Invitations Issued | 279 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 789 |
| Rank Needed | 279 or above |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | September 5, 2025 at 0:59:13 UTC |
Why +40 CRS? Smaller draw (279 vs 423 on Feb 3) → higher competition in top ranks. PNP adds 600 CRS points — still one of the most reliable PR paths.
📅 February 2026 Draws Overview (Total ITAs: 9,202)
| Date | Draw # | Category | ITAs | CRS Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16 | 395 | PNP | 279 | 789 | Surprise; +40 from prior PNP |
| Feb 6 | 394 | French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 | 400 | Record francophone draw |
| Feb 3 | 393 | PNP | 423 | 749 | Previous PNP benchmark |
No CEC draw yet — if held soon, CRS may exceed 511 due to pool pressure.
📊 Express Entry Pool Stats (Feb 15 vs Feb 2, 2026)
Total: 235,695 candidates (↓3,225). High competition in 501-600 range (16,559 candidates, ↑1,648).
| CRS Range | Feb 15 Candidates | Feb 2 Candidates | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 280 | 423 | -143 |
| 501-600 | 16,559 | 14,911 | +1,648 |
| 451-500 | 73,609 | 74,811 | -1,202 |
| 401-450 | 64,305 | 68,262 | -3,957 |
| 351-400 | 53,650 | 53,276 | +374 |
| 301-350 | 19,009 | 18,949 | +60 |
| 0-300 | 8,283 | 8,288 | -5 |
| Total | 235,695 | 238,920 | -3,225 |
⚡ Implications & How to Secure PNP in 2026
Smaller PNP draws raise cutoffs, but 600-point boost makes nomination highly effective. Pool shrinking overall, but mid-high CRS growing — act fast.
PNP Strategy Tips
- Apply to multiple provinces: BC Skills Immigration, Alberta EE Stream, Saskatchewan ISW, Manitoba SWO, Nova Scotia Labour Priorities.
- Indicate interest in EE profile to receive NOIs.
- Target in-demand sectors: healthcare (NS/NB), tech (BC/ON).
- Work/study in province for priority access (e.g., NS Experience: 1+ year work).
- Language: CLB 7+ preferred; meet provincial minimums.
- Show genuine settlement intent: research economy, mention family/job ties.
- Monitor draws & apply immediately — many first-come-first-served.
Avoid Common Refusals
- Insufficient settlement intent proof.
- Incomplete employment letters (missing duties/hours/dates).
- Proof of funds issues (wrong accounts, unexplained deposits).
- Inconsistencies between EE & PNP apps (job/education dates).
- Missing deadlines or mismatched NOC/TEER.
Pro Tip: Keep profile active, boost via language/ECA/experience. PNP remains key for CRS 450–550 range.
❓ 20 FAQs: Draw #395, Pool & PNP Strategy 2026
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