Canada has continued its targeted immigration strategy by inviting more healthcare professionals to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focused specifically on physicians who have already gained work experience in Canada.
The draw reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages while prioritising skilled professionals who are already contributing to the country’s labour market.
Also Read Canada Issues 271 ITAs in Second Physicians Express Entry Draw of 2026
Physicians Receive Invitations Through Express Entry
On June 24, 2026, IRCC conducted a category-specific Express Entry draw aimed at physicians with Canadian work experience. A total of 271 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued.
The latest round marks the second physician-focused draw conducted this year and demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to retaining qualified medical professionals who are helping meet healthcare demands across provinces and territories.
Candidates selected in this draw were required to meet both the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and the profile submission deadline established by IRCC.
Draw Summary
Express Entry Draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Draw date: June 24, 2026
- Category: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Invitations issued: 271
- Minimum CRS score: 223
- Tie-breaking rule: Candidates must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:13 p.m. UTC on May 31, 2026
The relatively low CRS threshold compared to many other Express Entry categories highlights the government’s focus on attracting and retaining healthcare professionals.
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Why Canada Is Prioritising Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare remains one of Canada’s most critical labour market sectors. Many regions continue to face physician shortages, longer patient wait times, and growing healthcare demands due to an ageing population.
By conducting occupation-specific Express Entry draws, Canada can select professionals whose skills directly support economic and social priorities. Physicians who have already worked in Canada often adapt more quickly to the healthcare system and can transition into permanent residence with greater ease.
The latest draw is part of a broader immigration strategy that increasingly targets candidates with Canadian work experience and those who can fill essential labour shortages.
Express Entry Activity in 2026
The June 24 physician draw was the 33rd Express Entry round conducted this year. Since January, IRCC has organised draws across several categories, including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), French-language proficiency, healthcare occupations, trades, and senior management occupations.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
| June 24 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 223 | 271 |
| June 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 516 | 4,000 |
| June 22 | Provincial Nominee Program | 730 | 955 |
| May 28 | French-Language Proficiency | 409 | 4,500 |
| May 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 3,000 |
| May 25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 805 | 334 |
| May 11 | Provincial Nominee Program | 798 | 380 |
| April 29 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 4,000 |
| April 28 | Canadian Experience Class | 514 | 2,000 |
| April 27 | Provincial Nominee Program | 795 | 473 |
| April 15 | French-Language Proficiency | 419 | 4,000 |
| April 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 515 | 2,000 |
| April 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 786 | 324 |
| April 2 | Trades | 477 | 3,000 |
| March 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 2,250 |
| March 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 802 | 356 |
| March 18 | French-Language Proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French-Language Proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| 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 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
Draw Types Conducted So Far in 2026
A review of Express Entry activity this year shows that IRCC has heavily favoured candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, and French-language abilities.
Number of Draws by Category
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 12 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 10 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 6 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 2 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Trades | 1 |
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More Than 85,000 Invitations Issued This Year
Express Entry invitations have surpassed 85,000 in 2026, demonstrating Canada’s continued reliance on immigration to support economic growth and workforce needs.
Canadian Experience Class and French-language candidates have received the largest share of invitations, while specialised categories have targeted workers in occupations facing labour shortages.
ITAs Issued by Draw Category in 2026
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 41,250 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 30,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5,405 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 662 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
What’s the Latest Draw Signal for Express Entry Candidates
The latest physician-focused draw reinforces Canada’s growing preference for targeted selection rounds rather than solely relying on general Express Entry invitations. Candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, French-language skills, or occupations aligned with labour market needs continue to enjoy stronger opportunities for permanent residence.
For healthcare professionals already working in Canada, the June 24 draw offers another indication that medical occupations remain a key priority within Canada’s immigration system. As labour shortages persist across the healthcare sector, additional targeted invitations may continue throughout the remainder of 2026.
With 85,067 invitations issued across 33 Express Entry rounds so far this year, Canada remains on track to use immigration as a major tool for addressing workforce demands and supporting long-term economic growth.
