Express Entry: Canada’s First New Category Draw Hits Lowest CRS Score Since 2021

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 391 doctors to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. The department held a special draw for physicians who already have Canadian work experience.

To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before 3:25 a.m. UTC on January 3, 2026.

This marks the first draw under the newly created “Physicians with Canadian work experience” category. It also stands as the ninth Express Entry draw held so far this year.

One of the Lowest CRS Scores Ever

The CRS cut-off of 169 ranks among the lowest in Express Entry history. Only one previous draw recorded a lower score. In 2021, during the pandemic, a Canadian Experience Class draw selected candidates with a score of 75.

The new physician category came into effect in December 2025. The federal government introduced it as part of broader efforts to address Canada’s doctor shortage. Officials aim to retain skilled physicians who already serve communities across the country.

Who Qualified Under the Physician Category?

Candidates needed to meet clear requirements to receive an invitation. They had to qualify under one of the three programs managed by Express Entry. They also needed at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience within the past three years, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience.

This work experience had to fall within one of the three eligible medical occupations included in the category. Candidates also had to meet all specific instructions set out for the selection round.

Express Entry Activity So Far in 2026

IRCC has remained active since the start of the year. The department has largely focused on candidates already living and working in Canada.

So far in 2026, the government has held:

• Four Provincial Nominee Program draws
  
• Three Canadian Experience Class draws
  
• One French-language proficiency draw
  
• One Physicians with Canadian work experience draw
  

The largest share of invitations has gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates. This reflects a continued focus on applicants with domestic work experience.

Invitation Numbers in 2026

As of now, IRCC has issued 30,848 invitations to apply across all categories this year.

Breakdown of invitations issued:

• Canadian Experience Class: 20,000
  
• French-language proficiency: 8,500
  
• Provincial Nominee Program: 1,534
  
• Physicians with Canadian work experience: 391
  

Earlier this month, IRCC invited 6,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class with a CRS cut-off of 508. Another Provincial Nominee Program draw required a score of 789 and issued 279 invitations.

The February 6 French-language proficiency draw saw 8,500 invitations issued with a CRS cut-off of 400.

Focus on In-Canada Talent

Recent draw patterns show a clear direction. IRCC continues to prioritize candidates who already contribute to Canada’s workforce. Provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian experience remain at the centre of this year’s immigration strategy.

The introduction of the physician category highlights the government’s effort to strengthen health care services. By selecting doctors who already work in Canada, officials aim to speed up permanent residency for those helping address urgent medical needs.

The latest draw signals both opportunity and urgency. Canada continues to adapt its immigration system to meet labour shortages, especially in health care.