IMMERGITY
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #398 on February 20, 2026, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Healthcare and Social Services Occupations candidates. The minimum CRS score required was 467 points — well below the 500+ typically required in all-program draws, and a major opportunity for nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals.
If you work in healthcare or social services and have been building your Express Entry profile, this is exactly the draw you have been waiting for. Use our Eligibility Assessment to confirm your eligibility right now.
Draw #398 at a Glance
- Draw Date: February 20, 2026
- Draw Number: #398
- Program: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (2026-Version 3)
- CRS Cutoff: 467
- Invitations Issued: 4,000
Who Qualifies for This Draw
The Healthcare and Social Services category covers a broad range of NOC codes including registered nurses (31301), licensed practical nurses (32101), social workers (41300), physiotherapists (31202), occupational therapists (31203), medical laboratory technologists (32120), and many more. If your NOC code falls within healthcare or social services, you are potentially eligible for this category draw.
Not sure if your specific occupation qualifies? Our Eligibility Assessment maps your job title to the correct NOC code and confirms draw eligibility in minutes.
CRS 467 — What Does It Take?
A CRS of 467 is achievable for most healthcare professionals with solid language scores and relevant work experience. A realistic qualifying profile: a registered nurse with 2 years of experience (Canadian or foreign), IELTS scores at CLB 8, and a Bachelor of Nursing degree. That profile typically scores in the 460–490 range. Use our CRS Simulator to run your exact numbers.
Canada's Healthcare Worker Shortage — Why This Matters
Canada is facing one of the most severe healthcare worker shortages in its history. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada needs to add hundreds of thousands of nurses and allied health workers over the next decade to meet demand from an aging population. IRCC's recurring healthcare category draws are a direct policy response — and for internationally trained healthcare workers, they represent the clearest pathway to Canadian PR available today.
How to Improve Your CRS if You Missed This Draw
- Language retesting: Moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 can add 10–25 CRS points for healthcare professionals. Use our CLB Converter to benchmark your scores.
- Provincial Nomination: Several provinces have dedicated healthcare PNP streams — Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island all actively recruit healthcare workers. Use our PNP Program Finder to find matching streams.
- ECA upgrade: If your foreign credentials have not been assessed, completing an ECA through the appropriate body (NNAS for nurses, WES for others) can unlock additional CRS points.
My Take
CRS 467 for 4,000 healthcare spots is a genuinely accessible threshold. If you are a nurse, social worker, or allied health professional with CLB 8+ and two years of experience, you are likely within reach of this cutoff right now. Do not wait for a perfect score — use our Eligibility Assessment to build your roadmap today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What healthcare occupations qualify for Express Entry category draws?
Qualifying NOC codes include registered nurses (31301), LPNs (32101), physiotherapists (31202), occupational therapists (31203), social workers (41300), medical lab technologists (32120), and many others. Use our Eligibility Assessment to confirm your specific occupation.
Do I need Canadian healthcare experience for this draw?
No — foreign healthcare work experience in an eligible NOC is accepted for category-based draws. However, Canadian experience does add CRS points and strengthens your overall profile.
How often does IRCC hold healthcare draws?
In 2025–2026, IRCC has held healthcare draws approximately every 2–3 months. Draw #398 follows Draw #385 (December 2025), showing consistent cadence.
Can social workers apply through the healthcare category draw?
Yes. Social workers (NOC 41300) and related social services occupations are included in the Healthcare and Social Services category. Use our Eligibility Assessment to confirm eligibility.
What is the CRS score for a typical nurse applying to Express Entry?
A registered nurse with 2 years experience, CLB 8 language scores, and a Bachelor's degree typically scores between 450–490. Use our CRS Simulator to calculate your exact score.