Canada continues to address critical healthcare labour shortages by prioritizing physicians with Canadian work experience through the Express Entry system. In the latest targeted round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focused specifically on medical professionals already contributing to Canada’s healthcare system.

On February 19, 2026, IRCC conducted a category-based round titled “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1.” A total of 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw Results – February 19, 2026

Category: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Number of Invitations Issued: 391
Minimum CRS Score: 169
Rank Required: 391 or above
Date & Time of Round: February 19, 2026
Tie-Breaking Rule: January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC

Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 169 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC. If more than one candidate had the lowest score, the submission date and time determined who received an invitation.

Why This Draw Matters

This highly targeted draw demonstrates IRCC’s continued commitment to strengthening Canada’s healthcare system by retaining qualified physicians already working in the country. With a notably low CRS cut-off of 169, the round highlights a strategic effort to transition essential healthcare professionals to permanent residence.

By prioritizing physicians with Canadian work experience, Canada aims to:

  • Address ongoing physician shortages across provinces
  • Support long-term healthcare system stability
  • Retain internationally trained doctors already integrated into Canadian practice
  • Accelerate permanent residence for critical frontline workers

This draw signals strong immigration support for healthcare professionals and reflects Canada’s broader strategy of using category-based selections to meet urgent economic and social needs.

🎉 Congratulations to the 391 physicians who received Invitations to Apply!

If you are a physician working in Canada, this pathway could represent a significant opportunity to secure permanent residence and build your long-term future in the country.