Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #397 on February 19, 2026, issuing 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 169.
This was a category-based draw exclusively for physicians with qualifying Canadian work experience, addressing doctor shortages across Canada.
Draw at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #397 |
| Draw Date | February 19, 2026 |
| Draw Category | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
| CRS Cut-off Score | 169 |
| Invitations Issued (ITAs) | 391 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | Not published by IRCC for this draw |
What Happens If You Received an ITA
Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in draw #397 have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. All required documents — language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and medical exams — must be included before the deadline. Missing the deadline will cause the ITA to expire.
What Happens If You Were Not Invited
If you were not invited, your profile remains active in the Express Entry pool and you will be considered in future rounds. To improve your chances, consider retaking your language test, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination which adds 600 CRS points to your score.
About Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). In 2026, IRCC has significantly expanded category-based draws to target specific labour market needs including healthcare, French-language proficiency, trades, and more.