Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again delivered strong opportunities for healthcare workers. On February 20, 2026, the department issued 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a targeted category-based Express Entry draw focused exclusively on the Healthcare and social services occupation category. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:22 p.m. UTC on December 9, 2025.
This marks the first healthcare-specific draw of 2026 and the third category-based selection round of the year. It also brings the total number of Express Entry draws in 2026 to ten. IRCC continues to use category-based invitations to address persistent labour shortages in Canada’s healthcare system, prioritising professionals who can step into critical roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community support services.
Here is the full list of Express Entry draws held so far in 2026:
- February 20 – Healthcare and social services: CRS 467 – 4,000 ITAs
- February 19 – Physicians with Canadian work experience: CRS 169 – 391 ITAs
- February 17 – Canadian Experience Class: CRS 508 – 6,000 ITAs
- February 16 – Provincial Nominee Program: CRS 789 – 279 ITAs
- February 6 – French-language proficiency: CRS 400 – 8,500 ITAs
- February 3 – Provincial Nominee Program: CRS 749 – 423 ITAs
- January 21 – Canadian Experience Class: CRS 509 – 6,000 ITAs
- January 20 – Provincial Nominee Program: CRS 746 – 681 ITAs
- January 7 – Canadian Experience Class: CRS 511 – 8,000 ITAs
- January 5 – Provincial Nominee Program: CRS 711 – 574 ITAs
Across these ten draws, IRCC has now issued a total of 34,848 invitations. The breakdown by category shows a clear strategic focus:
- Canadian Experience Class: 20,000 ITAs (3 draws)
- French-language proficiency: 8,500 ITAs (1 draw)
- Healthcare and social services: 4,000 ITAs (1 draw)
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,534 ITAs (4 draws)
- Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391 ITAs (1 draw)
The pattern in 2026 reveals a strong emphasis on candidates already in Canada. Four draws have targeted Provincial Nominee Program holders, three have gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, and the two newest category draws (physicians and healthcare/social services) further reward in-Canada work experience. The unusually low CRS cut-off of 169 for physicians on February 19 and the moderate 467 for today’s healthcare draw demonstrate how category-based selection allows IRCC to invite large numbers of targeted candidates who might not succeed in general draws.
Healthcare occupations have been a top priority for category-based selection since its introduction in 2023. With ongoing shortages across nursing, personal support work, pharmacy, therapy, and social services, IRCC is clearly using the Express Entry system to fast-track qualified professionals who can help ease pressure on Canada’s healthcare system.
For candidates in the healthcare and social services category, this draw represents a significant window of opportunity. Eligible occupations include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, and many allied health and social service roles.
Candidates who received an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Those who missed this round but hold CRS scores near or above 467 should ensure their profiles remain active and accurate, especially if they qualify under the healthcare category or have strong Canadian work experience.
With 34,848 ITAs already issued in just seven weeks of 2026, Express Entry remains one of the fastest and most competitive pathways to Canadian permanent residence. Healthcare professionals—whether working in Canada or abroad with strong qualifications—should monitor IRCC’s draw schedule closely and keep their profiles up to date. The continued focus on healthcare signals that more targeted draws for these occupations are likely throughout the year.
