Express Entry Draw #396 Invites 6,000 CEC Candidates

Canada continues its strong immigration selection pattern with Express Entry Draw #396, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The draw, held on February 17, 2026, recorded a minimum CRS score of 508, reflecting stable selection levels compared with earlier rounds this year. Consistent CEC draws indicate continued demand for skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s workforce.

Express Entry Draw #396 – Key Details

The latest round focused exclusively on Canadian Experience Class applicants, reinforcing Canada’s strategy of selecting candidates with local work experience.

Factor	Details
Draw Number	396
Date	February 17, 2026
Invitations Issued	6,000
CRS Cut-off	508
Program	Canadian Experience Class
Tie-breaking Rule	March 16, 2025 at 09:35:59 UTC

This draw closely follows the January 2026 CEC rounds, where similar invitation numbers were issued, demonstrating stable selection trends.

At ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, our regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) experts, including Eivy Joy Quito, assist candidates with profile optimization, CRS score improvement strategies, and complete Express Entry application support.

What Express Entry Draw #396 Means for Candidates

Large invitation rounds provide strong opportunities for skilled workers already living in Canada. Candidates with CRS scores near recent cut-offs should actively improve their profiles because even small changes can significantly increase selection chances.

Key steps candidates should consider include:

Retaking language tests to improve IELTS or CELPIP scores
Updating profiles with new Canadian work experience
Adding completed education credentials
Exploring Provincial Nominee Program options for additional CRS points

Applicants who prepare documents in advance often respond faster after receiving an ITA, reducing processing delays.

Current Competition in the Express Entry Pool

As of February 17, 2026, the Express Entry pool included 235,695 candidates, with a large concentration between 451 and 500 CRS points. This range remains highly competitive, meaning targeted score improvement strategies can play a decisive role.

Many successful applicants increase CRS scores by:

Gaining an additional year of Canadian work experience
Completing post-secondary programs in Canada
Securing valid job offers where eligible
Improving language proficiency results

Working with the best RCIC in Canada can help applicants identify the most effective strategy based on their individual profile.

Why Canadian Experience Class Draws Remain Important

The Canadian Experience Class continues to be a preferred pathway because candidates already working in Canada integrate quickly into the labour market. Regular draws with high invitation numbers signal ongoing immigration targets focused on retaining experienced workers and international graduates.

For temporary workers planning long-term settlement, maintaining an active Express Entry profile, improving CRS scores, and staying informed about draw trends are essential steps toward permanent residency. Professional support from ImmigCanada immigration consulting services helps candidates plan ahead, avoid documentation errors, and submit stronger applications.