Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) wrapped up a frenetic month of draws by issuing 25,722 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in February 2026. The data, published on 26 February, shows that six Express Entry rounds and an active slate of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws combined to create one of the busiest months of intake since the points-based system was launched in 2015. Express Entry accounted for 19,593 invitations, with category-based rounds targeting French-speaking candidates, health-care professionals, Canadian Experience Class applicants and a record-low 169-point draw for physicians. Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces added a further 6,129 invitations through their PNP streams, many of which rewarded in-demand trade skills and high-wage job offers. Although Ottawa’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan trims overall permanent-resident targets to 380,000 per year, the February results confirm that labour-market priorities still dominate selection.
![Canada issues 25,722 permanent-residence invitations in February 2026]()
For individuals and employers seeking guidance on these evolving pathways, VisaHQ offers end-to-end support with Canadian immigration and work visa applications. The platform streamlines document collection, provides real-time status updates and connects users with expert advisers to help maximise CRS points and navigate provincial nomination requirements. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Candidates able to align their profiles with French-language ability, health-care occupations or employer-driven provincial pathways continue to move to the front of the queue despite lower national caps. For global mobility managers, the takeaway is clear: Canada is doubling down on targeted immigration. Employers that can offer high-wage positions, operate in shortage occupations or provide French-language support will find faster, more predictable pathways to retain or relocate talent. Conversely, generic profiles that once cleared the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) bar must now be re-optimised—often through provincial alignment or additional language points—to remain competitive. Prospective applicants should audit their CRS score, consider French testing and map the provinces most aggressively courting their occupation. Organisations moving staff north of the border would be wise to secure nomination endorsements early and budget extra time for credential recognition in regulated professions such as nursing, medicine and trades.
For individuals and employers seeking guidance on these evolving pathways, VisaHQ offers end-to-end support with Canadian immigration and work visa applications. The platform streamlines document collection, provides real-time status updates and connects users with expert advisers to help maximise CRS points and navigate provincial nomination requirements. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Candidates able to align their profiles with French-language ability, health-care occupations or employer-driven provincial pathways continue to move to the front of the queue despite lower national caps. For global mobility managers, the takeaway is clear: Canada is doubling down on targeted immigration. Employers that can offer high-wage positions, operate in shortage occupations or provide French-language support will find faster, more predictable pathways to retain or relocate talent. Conversely, generic profiles that once cleared the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) bar must now be re-optimised—often through provincial alignment or additional language points—to remain competitive. Prospective applicants should audit their CRS score, consider French testing and map the provinces most aggressively courting their occupation. Organisations moving staff north of the border would be wise to secure nomination endorsements early and budget extra time for credential recognition in regulated professions such as nursing, medicine and trades.
