Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched its first category-based healthcare selection round of 2026, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Express Entry system. The latest round specifically targeted professionals working in healthcare and social services, reflecting Canada’s continued efforts to address critical labour shortages in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health services nationwide.
This draw represents the third category-based selection of the year and the tenth Express Entry round overall in 2026.
Also Read Healthcare & Social Services Express Entry Draw #398 – February 20
Key Details of the February 20 Draw
The February 20 selection round focused exclusively on candidates eligible under the Healthcare and social services category. To receive an invitation in this round, applicants were required to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467
- An Express Entry profile created before 6:22 p.m. UTC on December 9, 2025
The relatively competitive CRS threshold demonstrates strong demand and interest among healthcare professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada.
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Why Healthcare Workers Are Being Prioritized
Canada’s healthcare system continues to experience workforce pressures due to an aging population, increased service demand, and regional shortages. Through category-based selection under Express Entry, IRCC is strategically inviting candidates whose professional experience aligns with urgent labour market needs.
Healthcare occupations eligible under this category may include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, personal support workers, social workers, and other allied health professionals. By conducting targeted draws, Canada ensures faster permanent residence pathways for skilled workers already contributing or capable of contributing to essential public services.
Complete Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
The table below outlines all Express Entry rounds conducted so far this year:
| Draw date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | 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 |
| 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 Trends So Far in 2026
A closer look at the draw distribution shows a strong focus on candidates already established in Canada or nominated by provinces.
| 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 |
The data clearly highlights IRCC’s emphasis on in-Canada applicants, including those with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. Category-based selections, such as healthcare and French-language proficiency, further demonstrate targeted immigration planning aligned with economic and demographic goals.
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Total ITAs Issued in 2026
So far this year, a total of 34,848 Invitations to Apply have been issued across different Express Entry 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 |
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) leads in total invitations issued, reflecting Canada’s ongoing strategy to transition temporary residents into permanent residents.
What This Means for Healthcare Applicants
For healthcare professionals considering Canadian permanent residence, this latest draw signals continued opportunity in 2026. With category-based rounds expected to continue throughout the year, eligible candidates are encouraged to:
- Ensure their Express Entry profiles are up to date
- Verify occupation eligibility under healthcare category requirements
- Improve CRS scores where possible through language tests, education credential assessments, or additional work experience
As Canada maintains its focus on addressing labour shortages in essential sectors, healthcare and social services professionals remain well-positioned within the Express Entry system.
Further draws are anticipated in the coming weeks as IRCC continues to balance economic priorities, regional needs, and immigration targets for 2026.
