Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a groundbreaking Express Entry round on February 19, 2026. This event marked the first time the department issued invitations specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience.
Record-Low CRS Score for Medical Professionals
The draw issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to qualified doctors. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of only 169 to qualify.
This score represents the second-lowest cut-off in the history of the Express Entry system. It sits just above the 2021 pandemic-era draw.
In that previous round, the score dropped to 75 for Canadian Experience Class candidates. Today’s result remains a major milestone for the program.
IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule of January 3, 2026, at 3:25 a.m. UTC. This means candidates with the minimum score needed early profile submissions.
Expanding Category-Based Selection
The new physician category stems from an announcement made in December. The government aims to address critical labor shortages in the medical field.
By targeting doctors already working in Canada, officials hope to stabilize the healthcare sector. This round is the ninth selection held in 2026.
It highlights a shift toward more specialized draws. These rounds prioritize specific professional backgrounds instead of just general high scores.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Rounds
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
Next Steps for Invited Physicians
Doctors receiving invitations now have 60 days to submit their full applications. This process leads toward obtaining permanent residency status in Canada.
This initiative supports the long-term goal of retaining international medical talent. It helps fill vital roles within provincial health systems across the country.
