Canada Conducts First Express Entry Draw for Physicians in 2026 – CRS Drops to 169
Canada has held its first Express Entry draw under the newly introduced category for physicians with Canadian work experience. The latest round of invitations marks a significant development in Canada’s immigration strategy, especially for healthcare professionals already working in the country.
In this round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 391 candidates to apply for permanent residence. Applicants were selected under the new “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category.
To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to:
Achieve a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169; and
Have created their Express Entry profile before 3:25 a.m. (UTC) on January 3, 2026.
Notably, the CRS cut-off score of 169 is the second-lowest in the history of Express Entry. The only lower score was recorded in 2021 during a pandemic-related Canadian Experience Class draw, where the cut-off dropped to 75.
Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2026 So Far
Canada has already conducted multiple Express Entry rounds this year. Below is a summary of draws held in 2026:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 711 | 574 |
This recent selection marks the second category-based draw of the year and the ninth Express Entry round conducted in 2026 overall.
New Physician Category Announced in Late 2025
The physician-specific category was officially introduced in December 2025. The initiative forms part of Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen its healthcare system by attracting and retaining qualified doctors through both federal and provincial immigration pathways.
To be eligible under this new category, candidates must:
Meet the basic eligibility criteria of one of the three Express Entry-managed programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program);
Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) within the last three years;
Obtain this work experience in Canada.
Have work experience in one of the three eligible physician occupations included in the category; and
Satisfy all conditions outlined in the ministerial instructions for that specific draw.
IRCC’s 2026 Focus: In-Canada Candidates
So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have largely prioritized candidates who are already residing and working in Canada. Special attention has been given to:
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants
French-speaking candidates
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Number of Draws by Category in 2026:
Provincial Nominee Program: 4
Canadian Experience Class: 3
French-Language Proficiency: 1
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 1
Total Invitations Issued in 2026
As of now, IRCC has issued a total of 30,848 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2026, distributed as follows:
Canadian Experience Class: 20,000 ITAs
French-language proficiency: 8,500 ITAs
Provincial Nominee Program: 1,534 ITAs
Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391 ITAs
What This Means for Applicants in Pakistan
For medical professionals currently working in Canada — especially physicians — this new category presents a valuable opportunity for permanent residence with a significantly lower CRS threshold.
At Visa Territory, we closely monitor Express Entry updates to guide students, skilled workers, and professionals toward the most suitable Canadian immigration pathways.
If you are a healthcare professional or planning to study and work in Canada, staying informed about category-based draws can significantly improve your immigration prospects.