Express Entry Draw #395 | 279 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw
On February 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 279 invitations in the Express Entry draw. The minimum CRS score was 789. This draw is program-specific. Only candidates who were nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program are invited.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw 395
- Draw Number: 395
- Date: February 16, 2026
- Program Targeted: Provincial Nominee Program
- Invitations Issued: 279
- CRS Cut-off Score: 789
- Tie-breaking rule: September 5, 2025
The CRS score increased compared to earlier February draws primarily because fewer invitations were issued.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canada’s provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) to nominate skilled workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the local economy.
If you receive a provincial nomination, you get an additional CRS points in the Express Entry system, significantly boosting your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
What happens after 5 years of PR in Canada?
After holding permanent residence for five years, individuals may apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet residency and eligibility requirements, including physical presence in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five-year period preceding the application. Permanent residents who do not apply for citizenship can continue renewing their PR cards indefinitely as long as residency obligations are maintained. PR status itself does not convert automatically to citizenship or expire after five years. Many permanent residents choose citizenship to obtain voting rights, a Canadian passport, and unrestricted mobility, but maintaining PR alone remains a valid long-term status.
What is Canada’s new immigration plan for 2026?
Canada’s immigration strategy for 2026 continues to prioritize economic immigration through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs while aligning selection with labour shortages and demographic needs. A key policy shift is the expansion of category-based Express Entry draws targeting occupations such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and French-language proficiency. This approach allows Canada to select candidates based on economic priorities rather than solely CRS ranking. Provincial programs are also becoming more employer-driven and targeted. Overall, the 2026 plan emphasizes skilled worker selection, regional immigration distribution, and faster integration into the labour market.
Is PR validity changing to 10 years in Canada?
Canadian permanent resident (PR) status itself does not expire after a fixed period such as 5 or 10 years. Once granted, PR status remains indefinitely as long as residency obligations are met, specifically, living in Canada for at least 730 days within a 5-year period. What does expire is the PR card, which is typically valid for 5 years and must be renewed to facilitate travel. There has been no official policy change extending PR card validity to 10 years or altering residency requirements. Discussions about longer card validity have occurred periodically, but PR status rules remain unchanged as of 2026.
Ready to Apply for Canada PR Visa? Let Expressway Immigration Help You Succeed!
At Expressway Immigration, our licensed experts help you to assess eligibility, enhance your CRS profile, and choose the best program, whether through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. Contact Expressway Immigration today to explore your immigration options and take your next step toward becoming a permanent resident of Canada!
How Expressway Immigration™ Can Help
Express Entry is designed to be transparent, but the reality is that competition is fierce, rules shift quickly, and even small mistakes in an application can lead to rejection. This is where Our licensed RCIC consultants can make all the difference.
Our Services Include:
- Profile assessment: to calculate your CRS and recommend improvements.
- Program strategy: to help you choose between Express Entry, PNP, or other immigration streams.
- Strategy development: Crafting a roadmap to boost your CRS and align with future draw eligibility.
- Document preparation: Ensuring your work experience, credentials, language tests and other evidence are ready.
- Application support: to ensure accurate documentation and error-free submission.
- Submission guidance: Helping you prepare for ITA receipt, application timing, and compliance with IRCC requirements.
- Next Express Entry Draw guidance: so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
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