Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #398 on February 20, 2026, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 467.
This was a category-based draw targeting candidates with work experience in healthcare and social services occupations, one of Canada’s most critical in-demand sectors.
Draw at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #398 |
| Draw Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Draw Category | Healthcare and Social Services Occupations |
| CRS Cut-off Score | 467 |
| Invitations Issued (ITAs) | 4,000 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | December 10, 2025 at 01:01:21 UTC |
What Happens If You Received an ITA
Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply in draw #398 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.