Canada Makes Its Priorities Clear: Latest Express Entry Draw Targets Physicians With Proven Experience

On February 19, 2026, Canada sent a clear signal about where its healthcare system needs help most. In Express Entry Draw Number 397, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to candidates in the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was just 169 points, a figure that reflects the targeted, category-based nature of the draw rather than a generalized invitation round.

A Strategic Focus on Healthcare

This draw is not an accident or a one-off. It is part of a deliberate and ongoing strategy by the federal government to address critical shortages in Canada’s healthcare workforce. By focusing exclusively on physicians who already have Canadian work experience, the government is prioritizing candidates who have already proven they can integrate into the country’s medical system, understand its standards, and deliver care to Canadian patients.

The low CRS threshold of 169 is typical for occupation-specific draws. While that number may seem modest compared to the 500+ scores often required in general Federal Skilled Worker draws, candidates invited under this stream benefit from significant additional points awarded through the occupation-specific selection factor, which dramatically boosts their overall ranking.

The Tie-Breaking Rule and What It Means

For candidates sitting at exactly 169 points, the outcome came down to timing. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set at January 3, 2026, at 03:25:14 UTC. Only those who had submitted their Express Entry profiles before that precise moment were issued invitations. For candidates who missed the cutoff by minutes or hours, it is a stark reminder of how important it is to enter the pool as soon as you are eligible.

Those who received an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, which IRCC targets to process within the standard six-month timeline.

What This Draw Tells Us About Canada’s Immigration Priorities

This is the 397th draw conducted through the Express Entry system since its launch, and it underscores a broader trend: Canada is increasingly using category-based selection to address specific labor market gaps rather than relying solely on generalized, points-based draws.

For healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, this is encouraging news. The government is not waiting for generalized draws to bring in medical talent. It is actively pulling qualified doctors into the system through targeted invitations designed to meet urgent needs.

What Employers Should Know

Canadian healthcare institutions and private practices looking to retain or recruit foreign-trained physicians should be exploring pathways like Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These tools not only help bring qualified candidates to Canada faster but also provide long-term retention strategies that align with immigration pathways to permanent residency.

Employers seeking assistance with recruitment and immigration compliance should consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer to navigate the process effectively.

What Candidates Should Do Next

If you are a physician with Canadian work experience and did not receive an invitation in this draw, continue monitoring future category-based draws and ensure your Express Entry profile is up to date and accurate.

For candidates outside this category, securing an approved job offer remains one of the most reliable strategies for boosting your CRS score and improving your chances of receiving an ITA in future rounds.

Consider consulting with a qualified immigration professional to assess your eligibility and explore all available pathways to Canadian permanent residency.