Express Entry Draw #397: 391 Physicians Invited | CRS Cut-off 169

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted Express Entry Draw #397 on February 19, 2026, targeting physicians with Canadian work experience. In this category-based selection round, 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 169, reflecting a highly targeted selection designed to address healthcare workforce needs. This draw highlights Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening its healthcare system by prioritizing experienced medical professionals already contributing to the Canadian workforce.

Draw #397 at a Glance

Category: Physicians with Canadian work experience
Date of Draw: February 19, 2026
Number of ITAs Issued: 391
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 169
Rank needed: 391 or above
Tie-breaking rule: As per IRCC rules, if multiple candidates had the same CRS score, the cut-off was determined based on the date and time of Express Entry profile submission.

Why this healthcare-focused Express Entry draw is important

Targeted support for healthcare workforce needs

This draw demonstrates Canada’s strategic focus on strengthening its healthcare system by selecting physicians already practicing or experienced within the country. It aligns immigration selection with urgent labour market demands in the medical sector.

Exceptionally low CRS threshold

A CRS cut-off of 169 is significantly lower than most Express Entry rounds, reflecting a category-based approach that prioritizes occupation-specific needs over overall CRS competitiveness.

Recognition of Canadian work experience

By targeting physicians with Canadian work experience, this draw rewards candidates who have already integrated into the healthcare system and can immediately contribute to patient care across provinces.

What this means for applicants

For physicians with Canadian work experience

If you are a physician with qualifying Canadian experience, this draw signals a strong and recurring pathway to permanent residence. Maintaining an active Express Entry profile and ensuring accurate work experience documentation is essential.

For other healthcare professionals

This draw highlights the growing importance of healthcare-focused category-based selections. Professionals in high-demand medical occupations may benefit from gaining Canadian work experience to improve eligibility for similar targeted rounds.

Strategic takeaway

Occupation-specific Express Entry draws continue to reshape Canada’s immigration landscape. For skilled professionals in priority sectors such as healthcare, aligning experience with Canadian labor market needs can significantly improve permanent residence prospects—even with lower CRS scores.

How Swainz Overseas Careers Can Help You

Eligibility assessment: Evaluate your CRS score and determine eligibility for healthcare-focused Express Entry draws.

Profile optimization: Guidance on documenting Canadian work experience and maximizing CRS points.

Post-ITA support: End-to-end assistance with application preparation, submission, and compliance with IRCC timelines.