Canada has opened a new chapter in its economic immigration system by conducting the first-ever Express Entry draw dedicated exclusively to physicians with Canadian work experience on 19th January 2026. The latest round, held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), reflects the country’s intensified efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages through targeted immigration selection.
Also Read Canada Launches First-Ever 2026 Physician-Focused Express Entry Draw
391 Invitations Issued in Historic Category-Based Draw
In this inaugural draw under the newly introduced physician category, IRCC issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence on 19th January 2026. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169 to receive an invitation.
This cut-off score stands out as one of the lowest in the history of the Express Entry system. In fact, it is second only to a unique 2021 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw conducted during the pandemic, which recorded an exceptionally low CRS threshold.
To qualify for consideration in this round, candidates had to:
- Be eligible under one of the three federal programs managed through Express Entry.
- Have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience within the past three years.
- Obtain this experience in Canada in an occupation listed under the physician category.
- Meet all ministerial instructions for the specific draw.
- Have submitted their Express Entry profile before the official tie-breaking timestamp.
Top Stories
- Canada Holds First-Ever Express Entry Draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Canada Reshapes Express Entry with New Targeted Occupation Streams for 2026
- Canada Invites 6,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
- Canada Invites 279 Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw
- Manitoba PNP Conducts Targeted Skilled Worker Draw on February 12, 2026
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
Below is a complete snapshot of Express Entry rounds conducted so far this year:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
| 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 |
The February 19 round marks the ninth Express Entry draw of 2026 and the first-ever selection under the physician-focused category.
Distribution of Draw Types in 2026
Express Entry selections this year have largely concentrated on candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
Related Stories
- Canada Holds First-Ever Express Entry Draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Canada Reshapes Express Entry with New Targeted Occupation Streams for 2026
- Canada Invites 6,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
- Canada Invites 279 Provincial Nominees in Latest Express Entry Draw
- Canada Sets a New Express Entry Record with Massive French-Speaking Draw
Total ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far
As of mid-February, IRCC has issued 30,848 ITAs across all categories. The breakdown is as follows:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
A Strategic Healthcare Immigration Move
The physician-specific category was introduced in late 2025 as part of Canada’s broader effort to tackle healthcare shortages nationwide. By targeting doctors who already have Canadian work experience, IRCC is ensuring that skilled medical professionals can transition more efficiently to permanent residence.
This move complements provincial healthcare recruitment initiatives and strengthens retention strategies for doctors contributing to Canada’s healthcare system.
What This Means for Candidates
The exceptionally low CRS requirement in this draw highlights how Canada’s immigration system adapts to labour market demands. Rather than relying solely on high CRS scores, targeted category-based draws allow the government to address urgent workforce gaps.
For physicians currently working in Canada, this presents a significant opportunity. With focused selection rounds and reduced CRS thresholds, eligible candidates now have a clearer and more accessible pathway to permanent residence.
As 2026 progresses, further category-based draws are expected, reinforcing Canada’s strategic, needs-based approach to economic immigration.
