Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Get Priority in Express Entry Draw

Shiwangi Srivastava
[Published 20 Feb, 2026 | 05:54 AM]
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Canada has marked a historic milestone in its immigration program by announcing the first-ever Express Entry draw exclusively for physicians with Canadian work experience on February 19, 2026. In this targeted round, 391 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence with a remarkably low minimum CRS score of 169.

By prioritizing doctors already contributing to the Canadian healthcare system, this draw creates a faster, more accessible pathway for eligible professionals to immigrate to Canada as a doctors and secure permanent residence.

In the previous draw, Express Entry invited 6,000 skilled candidates through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Overall, from January to February 2026, IRCC issued invitations to 30,848 candidates living and planning to settle in Canada.

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Express Entry Latest Draw Results

IRCC conducts its first-ever Express Entry draw for physicians with Canadian work experience on February 19, 2026, inviting 391 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 169.

Type of Draw: Physicians With Canadian Work Experience

• Draw Number: #397
• Date of Round: February 19, 2026
• Number of ITAs Issued: 391
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 169
• Tie-Breaking Rule: January 03, 2026, at 03:25:14 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.

Eligible NOC Codes for Physicians in 2026

Check out the eligible NOC codes for physicians in 2026, including specialists and family doctors, to see which occupations qualify for the Express Entry draw.

Express Entry Summary of 2026

The 2026 Express Entry draws show Canada’s evolving immigration priorities, featuring category-based selections, large CEC rounds, and PNP invitations with varying CRS scores and invitation volumes.

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Eligibility Criteria For Physician With Canadian Work Experience

Eligibility Criteria for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience refers to the specific requirements that doctors must meet to qualify for Canada Express Entry program targeted at physicians. These criteria ensure that candidates are fully prepared to work in the Canadian healthcare system and can successfully settle as permanent residents.

Key eligibility points include:

• Valid Medical Credentials: The physician must hold a recognized medical degree and meet licensing requirements set by the provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority.

• Canadian Work Experience: At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in Canada in an eligible physician occupation.

• Language Proficiency: Meeting minimum English or French language standards (usually CLB 7 or higher).

• Express Entry Eligibility: Candidates must meet the general requirements of the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, including proof of legal work status and admissibility to Canada.

• In-Demand Occupations: The physician’s NOC must match eligible categories, such as general practitioners, surgeons, or clinical and laboratory medicine specialists.

Meeting these criteria helps ensure that physicians are ready to integrate into Canada’s healthcare system and qualify for the faster pathway to permanent residence.

Source: canada.ca