Canada Prioritizes Healthcare: Two Major Express Entry Draws in February 2026
In a significant move to bolster the national healthcare system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted two major category-based draws this week. These rounds highlight a strategic shift in how Canada selects talent, offering historically low CRS scores for those already contributing to our medical field.
The Historic Physician-Specific Draw
On February 19, 2026, IRCC made history by conducting the first-ever draw specifically for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience.
- Invitations Issued: 391
- CRS Score Cut-off: 169
- Target Occupations: Specialists in clinical or laboratory medicine (31100), Specialists in surgery (31101), and General practitioners or family physicians (31102).
This score of 169 is one of the lowest in the history of Express Entry, signaling Canada’s urgent desire to transition foreign-trained doctors from temporary to permanent status.
Healthcare and Social Services Round
Following the physician draw, IRCC issued a massive round of invitations on February 20, 2026, for the broader Healthcare and Social Services category.
- Invitations Issued: 4,000
- CRS Score Cut-off: 467
- Key Occupations: This included nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and social workers.
Compared to general Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws which have seen scores hovering above 500 recently, this category-based selection provides a much-needed fast track for healthcare professionals with scores in the mid-400s.
New 12-Month Work Experience Requirement
It is crucial for applicants to note that for 2026, IRCC has updated the eligibility criteria for all renewed categories, including Healthcare.
Candidates must now demonstrate at least one year (12 months) of continuous or non-continuous work experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years. This is an increase from the previous 6-month requirement used in 2025.
What This Means for You
If you are a healthcare professional currently in the pool, these draws prove that category-based selection remains your strongest pathway to Permanent Residency. With the government focusing heavily on in-Canada talent and essential sectors, now is the time to ensure your profile is fully optimized and your work experience is accurately documented.
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