Canada continues to strengthen its healthcare workforce through targeted immigration. In the most recent Express Entry draw under Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026, 4,000 healthcare and social services professionals were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

This category-based selection draw took place on February 20, 2026, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in critical sectors.

Key Highlights of the Draw:

Number of Invitations Issued: 4,000

A total of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates in healthcare and social services occupations.

CRS Score Requirement: 467

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 467, ensuring candidates with competitive profiles were selected.

Category-Based Selection

Candidates with relevant healthcare foreign experience were prioritized under Canada’s targeted immigration strategy, ensuring skilled talent is selected where it’s needed most.

Rank Required: 4,000 or Above

Candidates needed to rank 4,000 or higher in the Express Entry pool to receive an ITA.

Tie-Breaking Rule Applied

The tie-breaking rule was set at *ecember 09, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC.

If more than one candidate had the lowest CRS score (467), invitations were issued based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Successful candidates can now proceed with their Canada PR application and contribute to the country’s healthcare and social services sector.

Why This Matters for Healthcare and Social Services Professionals:

Healthcare and social services occupations remain a top priority under Canada’s category-based selection system. By specifically targeting this sector, Canada is ensuring sustainable workforce planning while improving access to essential services.

For doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, and other allied healthcare professionals, this draw represents a strong opportunity to secure Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry program.

What You Can Do Next:

If you are a healthcare or social services professional planning to immigrate to Canada:

1. Review your Express Entry profile and confirm your CRS score.
2. Ensure your work experience aligns with the Healthcare and Social Services occupation category.
3. Monitor upcoming category-based selection draws for further opportunities.

With a CRS cut-off of 467 and 4,000 invitations issued, strategic preparation can significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA in future draws.