Canada Express Entry Physicians Draw: CRS 169 Historic Low

Name: TerraTern
Brand: TerraTern
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Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Jun 23,2026

Canada Express Entry Physicians Draw: CRS 169 Historic Low - TerraTern

Key Highlights

Why This Canada Express Entry Physicians Draw Matters
Draw Details at a Glance
New Physicians Category Explained
Who Qualifies? Step-by-Step Check
CRS Score Breakdown for Physicians
Why Canada Needs These Doctors Now
Conclusion

Canada just opened its doors wide for doctors. On February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ran the first Express Entry physicians draw. It issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at a CRS cut-off of 169, the lowest since 2021. This move targets physicians with Canadian work experience. It shows Canada's push to keep skilled doctors permanent. If you qualify, your PR path gets much easier.

Why This Canada Express Entry Physicians Draw Matters?

Canada faces a doctor shortage. Hospitals need more hands. IRCC acted fast with this targeted draw. The round on February 19, 2026, invited 391 candidates. All had at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in key medical roles. This CRS score of 169 beats the most recent draws. It helps doctors already working here switch to permanent status.

Also Read: Cost of Study in Canada for Indian Students

Draw Details at a Glance

IRCC picked candidates with profiles created before January 3, 2026, at 3:25 a.m. UTC. Only those in the new physicians category qualified. They needed to fit the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades programs.

Category	Date	CRS Cut-off	ITAs Issued	Tie-breaking Rule
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	February 19, 2026	169	391	January 3, 2026, 3:25 a.m. UTC

New Physicians Category Explained

IRCC added this category in December 2025. It aims to build the healthcare workforce. Doctors need 12 months full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in the last 3 years. Work must be in Canada. Eligible jobs fall under three NOC codes:

NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians

Draw	Date	Type	CRS Cut-off	ITAs
Latest	Feb 19, 2026	Physicians	169	391
392	Jan 21, 2026	CEC	509	6,000
391	Jan 20, 2026	PNP	746	681
390	Jan 7, 2026	CEC	511	8,000

Who Qualifies? Step-by-Step Check

Not every doctor fits this Canada Express Entry physicians draw. You need Canadian work history and the right setup. Here's the full guide.

Verify 12+ Months Experience: Gain at least 12 months full-time (or equal part-time) Canadian work in the last 3 years. Covers NOC 31100 (clinical/lab specialists), NOC 31101 (surgeons), or NOC 31102 (GPs/family physicians). Self-employment is often exempt from policy for public services.
Pick your Express Entry Program: Enter via Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades. CEC fits best with your Canadian job – 1 year of skilled work gets you in.
Handle Education Proof: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your primary medical diploma from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). Required for these NOCs. Other degrees can use WES or similar.
Meet Language Rules: Hit Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for English/French in all skills. Doctors often score CLB 9+ for points. Test via IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
Prove Funds (if needed): Show settlement money unless your Canadian job offer covers it. For a family of 1 CAD 14,690 (2026). Physicians with experience often skip full proof.
Build CRS Score: Aim 169+ easy with Canadian work (up to 80 points skill transfer). Submit your profile to the pool.
Watch Tie Breaks: Create profile early. Latest used Jan 3, 2026, 3:25 a.m. UTC. Update anytime for new draws.

Also Read: Latest Eligibility for Canada PR from India: Experts Guide

CRS Score Breakdown for Physicians

CRS tops at 1,200 points. Canadian experience adds big wins via skill transfer. Sample CRS for a 33-year-old single doctor (no spouse):

Age: 90 points (max 110 under 30)
Education: 135 points (master's equivalent via MCC ECA)
First Language (CLB 9 English): 120 points (max 136)
Canadian Work (1 year): 40 core and 50 transferability = 90 points
Total Base: 475 points category drops need to 169

Why Canada Needs These Doctors Now

Healthcare systems strain across provinces. Rural spots lack GPs; surgery wait lists hit months. IRCC targets retention. This skips general pool fights (CRS 500+).

The aging population boosts demand 20% by 2030.
1 in 5 Canadians lacks a family doctor.
Rural retention 30% urban-rural gap.
Post-COVID burnout 10% docs short.
Foreign-trained fill 25% roles.

Also Read: Canada Ends Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work

Conclusion

The Canada Express Entry physicians draw on February 19, 2026, marks a big win for doctors working in Canada. IRCC issued 391 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 169, the lowest since 2021, targeting those with 12 months of experience in key medical NOC codes like 31100, 31101, and 31102. This move helps retain talent amid rising healthcare needs in rural areas and busy hospitals. Physicians with Canadian backgrounds now face an easier path to permanent residency, skipping tough general draws. Total 2026 ITAs hit over 30,000, with more targeted rounds ahead. Update your profile today and check your eligibility. Your PR could come next. Check official details on the IRCC website. To know more about Canada Express Entry, visit TerraTern now!

Mynaz Altaf

Sr. Content Writer

I am Mynaz Altaf, an accomplished Senior Content Manager with extensive experience in the immigration industry. At TerraTern, I craft transformative content strategies, leading a dynamic team of creatives. By blending analytical precision with creative flair, I create engaging narratives that captivate and convert. Join me in exploring the art of impactful storytelling, where precision meets passion in the realm of content innovation.

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CRS cut-off for the first Canada Express Entry physicians draw?

The CRS cut-off was 169 for the draw held on February 19, 2026. IRCC issued 391 Invitations to Apply to eligible physicians with Canadian work experience. This score stands as the lowest since 2021, reflecting the targeted nature of the category. Tie-breaking applied to profiles submitted before January 3, 2026, at 3:25 a.m. UTC. Doctors meeting the criteria now have a clear shot at permanent residency.

Which NOC codes qualify for the physicians category?

Eligible NOC codes include 31100 for specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, 31101 for specialists in surgery, and 31102 for general practitioners and family physicians. Candidates must show at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years. Self-employment qualifies if it serves the public directly. Use the official NOC tool to confirm your job duties match these codes exactly. This setup ensures only active contributors get priority.

When did IRCC launch the physicians category and why?

IRCC launched the physicians category in December 2025, with the first draw on February 19, 2026. Canada introduced it to address doctor shortages in rural areas and reduce surgery wait times. The country needs to retain foreign-trained doctors already working here instead of recruiting anew. By early 2026, over 30,000 total ITAs had been issued, showing heavy focus on healthcare. This aligns with broader 2026 immigration goals for skilled retention.

Can foreign-trained doctors without perfect CRS scores qualify?

Yes, foreign-trained doctors can qualify even without top CRS scores thanks to the 169 cut-off. Canadian work experience adds up to 80 points through skill transferability, pushing base totals like 470 down to fit. Minimum language is CLB 7 across skills, but higher scores help. Job offers or provincial nominations aren't required, and funds proof often waives with current employment. Many India-trained physicians on permits hit eligibility after one year.

What's next after getting an ITA in this physicians draw?

After receiving an ITA, you get 60 days to submit your full permanent residency application. Gather key documents like your MCC Educational Credential Assessment, valid language test results, and proof of Canadian work experience. Processing typically takes 6 months, leading to Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Keep your Express Entry profile active for potential future draws. Provinces also fast-track work permits to 14 days for nominated doctors.