Latest Express Entry draw sees thousands of healthcare professionals invited
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 date | Draw Type | CRS cut-off score | 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 |
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 Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 |
| French-Language proficiency | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 34,848 ITAs across the following draw types:
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
| French-Language proficiency | 8,500 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
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