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 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 uploaded before the deadline. Missing the deadline causes the ITA to expire; the candidate remains in the pool for future draws.
What Happens If You Were Not Invited
Your profile remains active in the Express Entry pool. To improve your chances, consider retaking your language test, gaining additional Canadian work experience, completing further education, or pursuing a provincial nomination — which adds 600 points to your CRS 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). Draws may be general (all programs), program-specific, or category-based targeting specific occupations or French-language proficiency.
📋 Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — Official Express Entry Rounds of Invitations. This website is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always verify information at canada.ca.