Canada continues to address workforce shortages in critical sectors through targeted Express Entry draws. In the latest round of invitations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) focused on candidates working in healthcare and social services occupations, offering thousands of skilled professionals the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.
On February 20, 2026, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under Ministerial Instructions #398. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467 to receive an invitation.
Express Entry Draw Results – February 20, 2026
Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (2026 – Version 3)
Number of Invitations Issed: 4,000
Minimum CRS Score: 467
Rank Required: 4,000 or above
Date & Time of Round: February 20, 2026 at 12:02:57 UTC
Tie-Breaking Rule: December 9, 2025 at 18:22:06 UTC
Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates with a CRS score of 467 were invited only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before December 9, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC.
If multiple candidates had the lowest CRS score, the cut-off was determined based on the date and time their profiles were submitted.
Why This Healthcare Draw Matters
Healthcare and social services draws remain an essential part of Canada’s category-based selection strategy. These targeted rounds help address persistent labour shortages in the healthcare sector and ensure Canadians continue to receive essential services.
This latest draw helps to:
- Address critical shortages in healthcare and social services occupations
- Support Canada’s growing healthcare needs
- Provide permanent residence pathways for healthcare professionals
- Strengthen the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system
Healthcare-focused Express Entry draws are particularly important for internationally trained professionals and temporary residents already working in Canada’s healthcare sector.
Express Entry Snapshot (Healthcare and Social Services)
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| February 20, 2026 | 4,000 | 467 |
This latest round highlights IRCC’s continued use of category-based Express Entry draws to target in-demand occupations. With consistent invitations for healthcare professionals, skilled workers in these occupations remain well-positioned for permanent residence opportunities in 2026.
🎉 Congratulations to the 4,000 candidates who received Invitations to Apply!
If you are working in a healthcare or social services occupation, category-based Express Entry draws continue to provide a strong pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
