Express Entry Draw #397 | First-Ever Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Draw
On February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted Express Entry draw for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience. The minimum CRS score was 169.
This was a category-based draw, focused exclusively on physicians already working in Canada.
What is the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category?
This is a new Express Entry category introduced in 2026, created to help address Canada’s ongoing shortage of doctors. It targets physicians who already have at least 1 year of eligible Canadian work experience and are contributing to the Canadian healthcare system.
Eligible applicants typically include:
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General practitioners and family physicians
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Specialist physicians (clinical, laboratory, and surgical)
This draw shows how Canada is prioritizing in-demand professionals and rewarding candidates with Canadian work experience.
For physicians working in Canada, this creates a faster and more realistic pathway to permanent residency.
Express Entry Draw #397 Results Overview
Here are the official results of the latest draw:
| Category | Details |
| Draw Type | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
| Draw Number | 397 |
| Date | February 19, 2026 |
| Invitations Issued | 391 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 169 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC |
The low CRS threshold shows how category-based selection allows skilled professionals in priority occupations to receive invitations even with moderate scores.
Eligible NOC Codes for Physicians in 2026
The draw focused on physicians with recognized Canadian work experience under specific occupations:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
Candidates working under these NOC codes may now benefit from a more direct route to Canadian permanent residence.
Why Canada Introduced a Physician-Specific Express Entry Draw
Canada continues to experience physician shortages across several provinces, particularly in family medicine and specialized care. By creating a dedicated draw, the government aims to retain medical professionals already working within the system rather than relying only on new arrivals.
Physicians with Canadian work experience are highly valued because they:
- Understand Canadian healthcare standards and regulations
- Have practical experience in local clinical environments
- Adapt quickly to patient care expectations
- Help reduce existing healthcare workforce gaps
This targeted strategy supports long-term healthcare stability while rewarding professionals who already serve Canadian communities.
Ready to Apply for Canada PR Visa? Let Expressway Immigration Help You Succeed!
At Expressway Immigration, our licensed experts help you to assess eligibility, enhance your CRS profile, and choose the best program, whether through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. Contact Expressway Immigration today to explore your immigration options and take your next step toward becoming a permanent resident of Canada!
How Expressway Immigration™ Can Help
Express Entry is designed to be transparent, but the reality is that competition is fierce, rules shift quickly, and even small mistakes in an application can lead to rejection. This is where Our licensed RCIC consultants can make all the difference.
Our Services Include:
- Profile assessment: to calculate your CRS and recommend improvements.
- Program strategy: to help you choose between Express Entry, PNP, or other immigration streams.
- Strategy development: Crafting a roadmap to boost your CRS and align with future draw eligibility.
- Document preparation: Ensuring your work experience, credentials, language tests and other evidence are ready.
- Application support: to ensure accurate documentation and error-free submission.
- Submission guidance: Helping you prepare for ITA receipt, application timing, and compliance with IRCC requirements.
- Next Express Entry Draw guidance: so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Looking to move to Canada?
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