Canada has conducted its 440th Express Entry invitation round, targeting physicians who have gained eligible work experience in the country. The September 3, 2026 draw issued 229 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 19.
The latest round is notable for its highly specialised selection criteria and exceptionally low CRS threshold. By focusing on physicians already working in Canada, the invitation round supports the country's broader efforts to retain experienced healthcare professionals and strengthen its domestic medical workforce.
Key Highlights
✅ Invitation Round: #440
✅ Date of Round: September 3, 2026
✅ Type of Draw: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 229
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 198
Physicians and Canadian Work Experience
Healthcare remains an important area of focus within Canada's economic immigration strategy. Physicians with Canadian work experience bring both specialised professional skills and familiarity with the country's healthcare environment, making them valuable candidates for long-term retention.
Targeted Express Entry rounds allow Canada to select candidates who meet specific economic and workforce priorities. Rather than relying solely on overall CRS rankings, these selections can concentrate on professionals working in sectors where Canada has identified a particular need.
For physicians, Canadian work experience can also demonstrate an established connection to the country's labour market. However, immigration eligibility and medical licensing are separate requirements, meaning physicians must continue to satisfy the relevant professional and immigration conditions.
Details of the September 3 Round
The latest invitation round selected 229 eligible physicians with Canadian work experience, with the lowest-ranked invited candidate recording a CRS score of 19.
The threshold is considerably lower than those seen in many general Express Entry rounds. This is largely due to the specialised nature of the selection. Candidates in this category are assessed within a targeted pool rather than competing directly with every candidate in the broader Express Entry system.
Those who received an ITA can proceed with their permanent residence applications. They will need to submit the required forms and supporting documents and continue to meet the applicable eligibility conditions during the application process.
Impact on Canadian Immigration
The physician-focused draw strengthens Canada's efforts to retain healthcare professionals who are already contributing to its workforce. Providing permanent residence opportunities to physicians with Canadian experience may encourage more medical professionals to establish their careers and lives in the country for the long term.
The CRS cut-off of 19 is another important feature of the round. It demonstrates how occupation-specific Express Entry selections can create opportunities for candidates who may not have a sufficiently competitive score in broader invitation rounds.
For international physicians considering Canada, the draw also highlights the potential value of Canadian work experience. At the same time, candidates will need to understand both the immigration pathway and the professional licensing process applicable to practising medicine in Canada.
With 229 ITAs issued, Express Entry Draw #440 adds to Canada's targeted approach to economic immigration and highlights the government's continued emphasis on attracting and retaining skilled healthcare talent.
Canada Express Entry Draw List 2026
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 122656