Canada holds 1st Express Entry draw under new physician category- sets lowest CRS cut-off since 2021

New Express Entry Draw

To receive an invitation in this round, candidates were required to:

• Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169; and
• Have created their Express Entry profile before 3:25 a.m. UTC on January 3, 2026.

Express Entry Draw Result – 19 Feb 2026

Date	EE Draw Category	No. of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score Requirement	Tie-breaking rule
19 Feb 2026	Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1	391	169	January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

One of the lowest CRS scores in Express Entry history

With a CRS cut-off of just 169, this draw now stands as the second-lowest score ever recorded in Express Entry history. The only lower score was during a 2021 pandemic-era Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, when the cut-off dropped to 75. This latest round is also notable because it is:

• The first draw under the newly introduced physician category;
• Only the second category-based selection draw of the year; and
• The ninth Express Entry draw held in 2026 so far.

The physician category was first announced in December 2025 as part of broader federal efforts to strengthen Canada’s healthcare workforce. The new pathway is designed to make it easier for doctors already working in Canada to transition to permanent residence.

Who qualifies under the physician category?

To be eligible under this new category, candidates must:

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs;
• Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the past three years (or equivalent part-time experience);
• Ensure that this work experience was obtained in Canada and in one of the eligible physician occupations included in the category; and
• Meet all additional requirements outlined in the ministerial instructions for the specific selection round.

Immigration focus in 2026

So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have largely focused on candidates already inside Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.

Number of draws by type in 2026

Draw Type	Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program	4
Canadian Experience Class	3
French-language proficiency	1
Physicians with Canadian work experience	1

In total, IRCC has issued 30,848 ITAs across all categories this year.

ITAs issued by draw type in 2026

Draw Type	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	20,000
French-language proficiency	8,500
Provincial Nominee Program	1,534
Physicians with Canadian work experience	391

The introduction of a physician-specific category signals Ottawa’s continued effort to address healthcare shortages while prioritizing candidates who already have Canadian experience. With a historically low CRS cut-off, this latest draw may also encourage more in-Canada healthcare professionals to explore permanent residence through Express Entry.

Need Help with Your Express Entry Application?

If this latest draw impacts your plans, it’s important to review your eligibility, CRS score, and documentation carefully before taking the next step. For personalized guidance and step-by-step support, speak with experienced immigration professionals. Call Visas Avenue Trusted Migration Expert Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com to begin your process with informed direction.

- Rajneesh Kumar