IRCC Issues 229 ITAs to Physicians in Express Entry Draw #440
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #440 on September 3, 2026, targeting Physicians with Canadian Work Experience in what has been designated as the 2026 Version 1 of this category. A total of 229 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a remarkably low CRS cutoff score of just 198. This targeted draw represents a significant opportunity for qualified medical professionals seeking Canadian permanent residence.
Analysis: Understanding the 198 CRS Cutoff
At first glance, a CRS score of 198 may seem unusually low compared to recent Express Entry trends. The previous draw recorded a CRS cutoff of 521 — a difference of 323 points. However, this dramatic gap is entirely expected and should not cause concern among general pool candidates.
This draw falls under a category-based selection stream, meaning IRCC is specifically targeting physicians who have demonstrated Canadian work experience. Category-based draws operate independently from the general all-programs draws and are designed to address specific labour market needs across Canada. The healthcare sector continues to face critical shortages of qualified physicians, making this targeted selection a strategic move by the Canadian government.
Key takeaways from this draw:
- The low CRS of 198 is exclusive to eligible physicians — not the broader Express Entry pool
- Category-based draws do not affect CRS scores or chances for general all-programs candidates
- IRCC is signalling a continued commitment to recruiting internationally trained and experienced medical professionals
- The 229 invitations issued reflects a tightly scoped, precision-targeted draw
Impact: What This Express Entry Draw Means for Applicants
If You Are a Physician with Canadian Work Experience
This is potentially transformative news for your immigration Canada journey. A CRS cutoff of 198 means that nearly all eligible physicians with Canadian work experience in the Express Entry pool may qualify for an ITA. If you did not receive an invitation in this draw, you should verify that your profile is correctly categorized and that your Canadian work experience is accurately documented under an eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. IRCC is clearly prioritizing this group and additional draws targeting physicians are likely in the future.
If You Are in the General Express Entry Pool
If you are not a physician, this draw does not directly impact your pathway to permanent residence. Your CRS score remains competitive for upcoming all-programs or other category-based draws. General draws continue to run alongside specialty draws, and candidates with CRS scores in the 480–540+ range remain well-positioned for future invitations. Continue to focus on improving your CRS score wherever possible.
Action Items: What You Should Do Right Now
- Verify your NOC code: Physicians should confirm their Express Entry profile lists the correct NOC code associated with physician or medical practitioner roles. An incorrect NOC could disqualify you from category-based draws even if you are otherwise eligible.
- Document your Canadian work experience: Ensure your profile accurately reflects all eligible Canadian work experience, including reference letters, Records of Employment (ROEs), and T4 slips that may be required as supporting documentation when submitting your permanent residence application.
- Update your Express Entry profile: If your profile has expired or contains outdated information, renew it immediately. Profiles must be active and current to be considered in any Express Entry draw.
- Calculate your CRS score and identify improvements: Whether you are a physician or a general pool candidate, understanding your exact CRS score and finding ways to boost it — through language testing, provincial nomination, or additional job offers — can make the difference between waiting and receiving your ITA.
Plan Your Immigration Strategy with NextMovePath.com
Navigating the Canadian Express Entry system — especially with the growing complexity of category-based draws — requires up-to-date information and a personalized strategy. Visit NextMovePath.com to use our free CRS score calculator and explore our AI-powered immigration strategy tools designed to help you understand your options, maximize your CRS score, and identify the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Whether you are a physician, a skilled worker, or a recent graduate, NextMovePath.com can help you take your next move with confidence.