Thousands of Healthcare Professionals Invited in Latest Express Entry Draw
Canada has conducted another major Express Entry draw, inviting thousands of skilled professionals to apply for permanent residence.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued under the Healthcare and Social Services category.
Eligibility Criteria for This Draw
To qualify for this round of invitations, candidates were required to:
Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467
Submit their Express Entry profile before 6:22 p.m. (UTC) on December 9, 2025
Only candidates who met both conditions were considered in this category-based selection draw.
Express Entry Draws Conducted in 2026 So Far
Here is a summary of the Express Entry draws held this year:
| 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 |
| February 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
This latest round marks:
The third category-based draw of the year
The tenth Express Entry draw overall in 2026
The first healthcare-focused draw of the year
Canada Continues to Prioritize Healthcare Professionals
Canada continues to experience workforce shortages in the healthcare and social services sector. To address this gap, IRCC is prioritizing qualified healthcare professionals through category-based selections under the Express Entry system.
This strategy reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its labour market and support essential public services.
Focus of Express Entry in 2026
So far in 2026, most invitations have been issued to candidates who are already in Canada — particularly those who:
Hold a Provincial Nomination
Have Canadian work experience
Number of Draws by Category in 2026
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
Total ITAs Issued in 2026
As of now, IRCC has issued 34,848 ITAs across different categories:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
What This Means for Applicants in Pakistan
For healthcare professionals in Pakistan who are planning to immigrate to Canada, this latest draw presents a valuable opportunity under the category-based Express Entry system. Candidates with relevant work experience, competitive CRS scores, and well-prepared profiles can significantly increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
At Visa Territory, we guide healthcare professionals through every step of the Express Entry process — from profile creation and CRS assessment to document preparation and submission strategy. If you are considering applying, it is essential to ensure your profile is complete, accurate, and strategically optimized to maximize your chances of success.