Canada has taken a landmark step in its immigration policy with the first-ever Express Entry draw dedicated exclusively to physicians with Canadian work experience. On February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in a category that has never before been used in Canada’s flagship skilled immigration system.
The draw stood out not only for its exclusivity but also for its exceptionally low CRS cut-off score of 169, one of the lowest ever recorded in Express Entry history. This milestone marks a significant policy shift toward targeted, sector-specific immigration, aimed at addressing critical national workforce shortages.
Details of the Physicians Express Entry Draw
The February 19 draw was conducted under the new “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category, a specialised stream within the Express Entry system aimed at doctors already practising in Canada. Candidates needed to meet the following criteria:
✅ Invitation Round: #397
✅ Date of Round: February 19, 2026
✅ Type of Draw: Physicians with Canadian work experience
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 391
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 169
✅ Tie-Breaking Rule: January 03, 2026, at 03:25:14 UTC
This cut-off score of 169 sits well below most general draws in 2026, underlining both the targeted nature of the category and the smaller pool of eligible physicians relative to the broader Express Entry database.
In fact, this CRS score is only surpassed (lower) by a 2021 pandemic-era draw where a score of 75 points was recorded, and that was under very different conditions.
About the Physicians Category
The physicians category is a profession-specific Express Entry stream designed for doctors with verified Canadian work experience.
It allows eligible physicians to receive direct invitations without competing in the general Express Entry pool.This category includes medical professionals such as general practitioners, specialists, and clinical physicians.
Eligibility is based on Canadian work history rather than only education or foreign credentials.It represents a structural shift in immigration policy toward sector-targeted permanent residence pathways. This model prioritises workforce needs over generic ranking scores.
The category is part of a broader move toward category-based selection, introduced to better align immigration with labour shortages. Similar models are expected for other high-demand professions in the future.
Purpose of the Draw
The primary goal is to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system by retaining doctors already working in the country.
The draw aims to reduce physician shortages, especially in underserved and rural regions.
It reflects Canada’s shift from volume-based immigration to needs-based immigration planning.
Selection is now increasingly aligned with economic and social priorities.The draw also helps prevent skilled medical professionals from leaving Canada due to immigration barriers.
Impact on Canadian Immigration
Express Entry is shifting toward targeted selection models rather than broad competition systems. Future draws are likely to follow occupation-specific formats.
CRS scores will no longer be the only determining factor for PR opportunities. The sector demand will increasingly influence invitation thresholds.
Skilled workers in priority professions may gain faster and more direct PR pathways.
This reduces dependency on provincial nominations and employer sponsorships.Immigration policy is becoming a strategic workforce planning tool, not just a migration system. Canada is aligning permanent residency with national development goals.
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 30,848 ITAs across nine draws, with most selections focused on Canadian work experience categories, including the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program, alongside the new physicians stream.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2026
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 30,848