IMMERGITY
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #397 on February 19, 2026, issuing 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Physicians with Canadian Work Experience. The minimum CRS score was just 169 points — the lowest cutoff of any 2026 draw by a wide margin.
A CRS of 169 is effectively a floor score — it means IRCC issued ITAs to nearly every eligible physician in the pool. If you are a doctor working in Canada and haven't applied for PR yet, this is an urgent signal. Start with our Eligibility Assessment to confirm your eligibility.
Draw #397 at a Glance
- Draw Date: February 19, 2026
- Draw Number: #397
- Program: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- CRS Cutoff: 169
- Invitations Issued: 391
Why Is the CRS So Low?
The Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category is highly targeted — IRCC set it up specifically to fast-track doctors already practising in Canada. The pool of eligible candidates is small (only physicians with valid Canadian clinical experience qualify), so the cutoff drops to accommodate all of them. A CRS of 169 means if you have a pulse and a valid profile, you're in.
This draw is part of Canada's broader strategy to address its physician shortage. Canada is significantly understaffed in primary care and specialist medicine, particularly in rural and northern communities. IRCC is using Express Entry category draws as a direct recruitment tool.
Who Qualifies for This Draw
To qualify for the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category, you must:
- Have NOC code 31100 (Specialist physicians) or 31102 (General practitioners and family physicians)
- Have at least one year of Canadian work experience as a licensed physician
- Meet the minimum Express Entry CRS requirements
- Hold a valid Express Entry profile
Foreign-trained physicians on a work permit in Canada are the primary target of this draw. If you hold a restricted licence or are in a residency program, verify your eligibility with our Eligibility Assessment.
My Take
A CRS of 169 with 391 ITAs tells you one thing clearly: Canada is desperate for doctors and is willing to fast-track the entire eligible pool in one draw. If you are a physician currently working in Canada and have not yet filed your PR application, there is no strategic reason to wait. The pathway is wide open. Use our Eligibility Assessment to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign-trained doctors apply through Express Entry?
Yes, if they have Canadian work experience as a licensed physician (NOC 31100 or 31102). Foreign credentials alone are not sufficient — you need Canadian clinical work experience. Use our Eligibility Assessment to confirm your eligibility.
Why was the CRS cutoff only 169 for Draw #397?
The physicians category has a very small eligible pool — only doctors with Canadian work experience qualify. IRCC issued ITAs to essentially the entire pool, resulting in a near-floor CRS of 169.
How often does IRCC hold physician-specific draws?
Physician-specific draws are relatively rare — Draw #397 is one of the first physician-targeted draws of 2026. The frequency depends on IRCC's immigration targets and the size of the eligible pool.
Do I need a full medical licence to qualify?
You need to be working as a physician in Canada under a valid licence (including some restricted licences). Consult our Eligibility Assessment or book a consultation for a case-specific review.