Canada Prioritizes Healthcare Professionals in Latest Express Entry Draw

Shiwangi Srivastava
[Published 21 Feb, 2026 | 07:25 AM]
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is further refining its immigration strategy by priotizing the healthcare and social service professionals in the latest Express Entry draw.

Today’s draw marks the third category-based selection and the tenth Express Entry draw overall in 2026. This round provides a faster pathway to permanent residence for candidates ready to contribute to Canada’s essential services.

As part of a broader strategy to meet critical labour needs, Canada has now invited a total of 34,848 skilled candidates through Express Entry draws across various streams and categories. Eligible healthcare professionals can explore these opportunities to apply for Canada PR and build a stable future in Canada.

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Express Entry Latest Draw Results

IRCC conducted the latest Express Entry draw for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations on February 20, 2026, inviting 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 467.

• Type of Draw: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
• Date of Round: February 20, 2026
• Number of ITAs Issued: 4,000
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 467
• Tie-Breaking Rule: December 09, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Express Entry Summary of 2026

A complete snapshot of Canada’s 2026 Express Entry draws, highlighting the latest invitations, draw types, and minimum CRS scores for skilled workers across various streams.

Express Entry Draws in 2026: Overview by Type and ITAs

Express Entry draws in 2026 have focused on candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, and in-demand skills, highlighting Canada’s targeted immigration approach.

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Eligibility Requirement For Healthcare Professionals

The Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category of Express Entry is designed for skilled professionals who can contribute to Canada’s healthcare system right away. To be eligible for this category, applicants must fulfill certain criteria to ensure they are qualified, experienced, and ready to move to Canada.

The main criteria for eligibility are as follows:

• Valid Work Experience: Applicants must have valid work experience in healthcare and social services occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must fulfill the minimum language requirements in English or French, which is CLB 7 or higher, to communicate effectively in the workplace.

• Education and Credentials: Having valid medical, healthcare, or social services credentials with proper documentation or, if required, licensing is a must for eligibility and can also help you get a provincial nomination in the Provincial Nominee Program, which will increase your chances of getting one.

• Legal Status: If you are applying from Canada, you must have valid work authorization. If you are applying from abroad, you must fulfill the requirements of admissibility.

Meeting these requirements allows healthcare professionals to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, providing a faster pathway to permanent residence and integration into Canada’s essential workforce.

Source: canada.ca