In a significant update for immigration hopefuls, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw on February 19, 2026. This round focused on candidates under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category. IRCC issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this draw was 169, which determined which candidates were eligible. If multiple candidates had the same score, IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule based on the profile submission date and time: January 03, 2026, 03:25:14 UTC.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Draw Details
Draw Date: February 19, 2026
Draw Type: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Invitations Issued: 391
Minimum CRS Score: 169
Rank Required: 391 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule: January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC
Only candidates who submitted their profiles before the tie-breaking date and time were invited if multiple candidates had the same lowest CRS score.
Understanding the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Category
This program targets skilled physicians who already have professional experience in Canada. It helps them move smoothly to permanent residency while contributing to the local healthcare sector.
IRCC ranks candidates using the CRS, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. By targeting physicians with Canadian experience, IRCC ensures that skilled healthcare professionals meet the labor market’s needs.
What This Draw Means for Applicants
The CRS cut-off of 169 highlights that Canada prioritizes physicians with Canadian experience. By issuing 391 ITAs, IRCC supports the healthcare workforce while meeting 2026 immigration goals.
Candidates with a CRS score below the cut-off can improve their chances by enhancing language skills, gaining more Canadian work experience, or exploring other Express Entry streams.
Next Steps After Receiving an ITA
Candidates who received an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residency application. To avoid delays, follow these steps:
Accept the ITA: Log in to your IRCC account and confirm your invitation.
Gather Required Documents: Prepare work experience letters, language test results, educational credential assessments, police clearance certificates, and medical exam reports.
Submit Your Application: Upload accurate documents and submit within the 60-day deadline.
Wait for Processing: IRCC generally processes Express Entry applications within six months.
Looking Ahead
Targeted draws for Canadian-experienced physicians remain essential to Canada’s immigration strategy. Skilled healthcare workers are in high demand, and draws like this strengthen the workforce.
Candidates should focus on improving language scores, gaining relevant work experience, and exploring other Express Entry programs to enhance their profiles.
For personalized guidance and profile evaluation, consult experts like Apical Immigration Experts. They can help you improve your CRS score and plan a clear path to Canadian permanent residency.
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