Canada continues to prioritise physicians through Express Entry, with 229 doctors receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence in the latest category-based draw.
On September 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 229 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry draw targeting physicians with Canadian work experience.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 198. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 7:40 p.m. UTC on August 6, 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw date | September 3, 2026 |
| Draw type | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience |
| Invitations issued | 229 |
| Minimum CRS | 198 |
| Profile cut-off | August 6, 2026, before 7:40 p.m. UTC |
| Immigration system | Express Entry |
| Selection method | Category-based selection |
Express Entry is Canada's online system for managing applications under several economic immigration programs. IRCC conducts different types of invitation rounds, including general draws, program-specific draws and category-based draws.
Under category-based selection, IRCC establishes categories based on Canada's economic priorities and invites eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool. Importantly, being in a targeted occupation does not by itself guarantee an Invitation to Apply.
A CRS cut-off of 198 is notably lower than the scores seen in several other Express Entry draws during 2026. For comparison, the September 1, 2026 Canadian Experience Class draw had a CRS cut-off of 521 and issued 2,000 ITAs. The physician category draw two days later had a cut-off of 198 and issued 229 ITAs.
This difference demonstrates why applicants should not compare CRS scores across different Express Entry draw types without considering the category involved.
| Date | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 | 391 | 169 |
| June 24, 2026 | 271 | 223 |
| September 3, 2026 | 229 | 198 |
| Total | 891 | — |
The latest draw is particularly relevant to physicians already working in Canada with qualifying Canadian experience. Internationally trained doctors outside Canada should note that a medical degree alone does not make someone eligible for this draw. The category required Canadian work experience.
Canadian immigration eligibility and medical licensing are separate matters. Permanent residence does not itself authorize a foreign-trained physician to practise medicine in Canada. Physicians must meet provincial or territorial licensing requirements.
The physician draw is part of a broader pattern in Canada's 2026 Express Entry system. IRCC has conducted targeted rounds for physicians, healthcare workers, French-language proficiency, trades, transport, senior managers, military recruits, Canadian Experience Class candidates and provincial nominees.
As of September 3, physician-specific draws issued 891 ITAs in 2026. Overall, IRCC had issued 117,656 ITAs across all Express Entry categories during 2026.
The latest draw is positive news for eligible physicians with Canadian work experience, but it should not be interpreted as a blanket announcement that Canada is granting PR to all doctors at CRS 198. Future draws may have different invitation numbers and CRS cut-offs.
Can any doctor apply under the September 2026 physician Express Entry draw?
No. The draw specifically targeted physicians with Canadian work experience.
Was the CRS cut-off 198 for all Express Entry candidates?
No. It applied only to the physician category-based draw.
How many physicians received invitations in this draw?
229 ITAs were issued.
How many physician-specific ITAs have been issued in 2026?
891 ITAs across three physician-specific draws.
Does permanent residence automatically allow a foreign-trained doctor to practise medicine?
No. Immigration status and professional licensing are separate.
Should physicians outside Canada rely on the CRS 198 cut-off?
No. Eligibility for the category and Express Entry program must be established first.
Canada's latest physician draw highlights the value of Canadian healthcare experience. The September 3, 2026 draw issued 229 invitations at CRS 198, but eligibility was specific to physicians with Canadian work experience. International physicians should focus on building a complete immigration profile and understanding licensing requirements.
Immiaid Immigrant Society provides accessible information about Canada's immigration system. As policies and categories evolve, staying informed is essential for planning a successful move to Canada.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. Canadian immigration policies, Express Entry categories and selection criteria can change. Applicants should verify current requirements through official Government of Canada sources and obtain professional advice where appropriate.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); CIC News, September 3, 2026.
