Latest Express Entry draw sees thousands of healthcare professionals invited

author avatar
Asheesh Moosapeta
Updated: Feb, 20, 2026
  • Published: February 20, 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.

The immigration department issued 4,000 ITAs in a draw for candidates in the Healthcare and social services category.

To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have

  • A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467; and
  • Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:22 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on December  9, 2025.

See your eligibility for all Express Entry categories

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2026

Draw dateDraw TypeCRS cut-off scoreITAs issued
March 5Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience429250
March 4French-Language proficiency3975,500
March 3Canadian Experience Class5084,000
March 2Provincial Nominee Program710264
February 20Healthcare and social services4674,000
February 19Physicians with Canadian work experience169391
February 17Canadian Experience Class5086,000
February 16Provincial Nominee Program789279
February 6French-Language proficiency4008,500
February 3Provincial Nominee Program749423
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program746 681
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

Today's draw is the third category-based selection draw, and the tenth Express Entry selection of the year overall.

It also marks the first draw for Healthcare and social services workers this year, through the Express Entry system. IRCC has continued to prioritize these professionals for ITAs under category-based selection, in the face of continued labour market shortages.

Express Entry draws in 2026 have seen Canada's immigration department focus largely on immigration candidates within the country, particularly those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.

Draw TypeNumber of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program5
Canadian Experience Class4
French-Language proficiency2
Physicians with Canadian work experience1
Healthcare and social services 1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience1

In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 34,848 ITAs across the following draw types:

Draw typeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class24,000
French-Language proficiency14,000
Healthcare and social services 4,000
Provincial Nominee Program1,798
Physicians with Canadian work experience391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience250

See your eligibility for all Express Entry categories

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