IMMIGRATION NEWS UPDATE – CEC DRAW – FEBRUARY 17, 2026
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw: 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
- CRS Cut-off: 508
- The CRS score decreased slightly (down 1 point compared to the previous draw held on January 21, 2026).
CRS Forecast: March to June 2026
Based on:
- The large draw sizes in January and February (6,000 ITAs each),
- The apparent prioritization of CEC candidates,
- The current volume of candidates in the Express Entry pool, and
- IRCC’s need to accelerate processing targets this year,
The projected CRS trends may be as follows:
- March: Likely CEC draw with a CRS cut-off between 505–510
- April: Possible CEC draw with a CRS cut-off between 500–505
If there are an additional 1–2 large draws (5,000–6,000 ITAs each), the CRS score in May and June may drop below 500.
Please note that these are professional projections based on current patterns and may change depending on IRCC’s operational priorities.
Important Reminder for Candidates Who Received an ITA!
Receiving an ITA does not guarantee permanent residence.
- Being invited is Step 1
- Submitting a complete and accurate application is Step 2
- Receiving final approval and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is Step 3
After you submit your PR application, IRCC will:
- Conduct an R10 completeness check
- Assess program eligibility
- Re-evaluate qualifying work experience
- Review for potential misrepresentation
- Conduct criminality, medical, and security screening
Even a minor error can result in refusal and the loss of a valuable opportunity that was not easy to obtain.
If your supporting documents do not fully substantiate the information declared in your Express Entry profile, a CRS score of 508 becomes irrelevant.
Before You Click “Submit,” You Must:
- Review your NOC code to ensure it matches your actual job duties
- Verify exact working hours and employment periods
- Ensure employment letters meet IRCC requirements
- Cross-check travel history against passport stamps and records
- Recalculate your CRS score carefully
- Review every single document required by IRCC in detail
Accuracy, consistency, and documentary evidence determine the outcome — not just your CRS score.
Updated, analyzed, and projected by Tôn Thất Hòa, RCIC-IRB – Ton Immigration Consulting
To book a consultation:
Email: anton.ton@tonimmigration.com – WhatsApp: (289) 690-6092