By admin
Thousands of Healthcare Professionals Invited in Latest Express Entry Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has held another draw through the Express Entry system, inviting thousands of candidates working in healthcare and social services to apply for permanent residence.
In the draw conducted on February 20, 2026, the department issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Healthcare and Social Services category. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467 to receive an invitation.
To be eligible for this category-based selection round, applicants also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:22 p.m. UTC on December 9, 2025.
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | ITAs Issued |
| February 20 | Healthcare and Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| 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 |
This draw represents the third category-based selection round and the tenth Express Entry draw of 2026 so far. It is also the first draw of the year specifically targeting healthcare and social services professionals, highlighting Canada’s continued focus on addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors.
Healthcare Workers Remain a Priority
Through category-based selection under the Express Entry system, IRCC has been prioritizing professionals in healthcare and social services. The approach allows the department to target candidates with skills that are in high demand across Canada, helping provinces and territories meet labour market needs more efficiently.
Express Entry Draws Held in 2026 (So Far)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| French Language Proficiency | 1 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
Invitations Issued Through Express Entry in 2026
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
| French Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,957 |
| Total | 34,848 |
Canada continues to rely on targeted Express Entry draws to attract skilled workers in sectors facing labour shortages while supporting the country’s long-term immigration objectives.