Express Entry Healthcare Draw February 2026: 4,000 ITAs Issued with CRS Cut-Off 467
Canada has conducted its first healthcare-focused selection of the year under the Express Entry system. The Express Entry Healthcare Draw February 2026 resulted in the issuance of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467 to receive an invitation in this targeted category-based round.
This latest development signals Canada’s continued commitment to addressing workforce shortages in healthcare and social services across the country.
Key Details of the Express Entry Healthcare Draw February 2026
The February 2026 healthcare draw was conducted under IRCC’s category-based selection system. To be eligible for selection, candidates were required to:
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Hold a minimum CRS score of 467
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Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:22 p.m. (UTC) on December 9, 2025
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Qualify under one of the three federal economic immigration programs (FSW, CEC, or FST)
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Demonstrate eligible work experience in a healthcare or social services occupation listed under the designated category
As is standard practice, the tie-breaking rule was applied to determine ranking among candidates with identical CRS scores.
February 2026 Marks the First Healthcare Draw of the Year
The Express Entry Healthcare Draw February 2026 represents:
The third category-based selection draw of 2026
The tenth Express Entry draw overall this year
The first healthcare-specific invitation round of 2026
Canada continues to rely on category-based selection to target applicants working in occupations facing persistent labour shortages.
Overview of Express Entry Activity in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 34,848 ITAs across various draw types, with a strong focus on candidates already residing and working in Canada.
Express Entry Draw Summary – 2026
Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 20 | Healthcare & Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
Feb 19 | Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 169 | 391 |
Feb 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
Feb 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
Feb 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
Feb 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
Jan 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
Jan 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
Jan 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
Jan 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
ITAs Issued by Category in 2026
Draw Type | Total ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
Canadian Experience Class | 20,000 |
French-Language Proficiency | 8,500 |
Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 |
Provincial Nominee Program | 1,534 |
Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 391 |
The majority of invitations in 2026 have been granted to Canadian Experience Class applicants, underscoring IRCC’s emphasis on in-Canada talent.
Why the Healthcare Sector Remains a Priority
Healthcare and social services professionals remain in high demand across Canada due to ongoing staffing shortages and demographic pressures.
Through category-based selection, IRCC is able to invite qualified candidates even when their CRS score may not meet the threshold of general all-program draws. The CRS cut-off of 467 in the February 2026 healthcare draw is considered competitive but accessible compared to recent general draw scores.
For eligible professionals, this targeted approach significantly increases the chances of receiving an ITA.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
Based on current immigration trends, further category-based draws are expected throughout 2026. Healthcare occupations are likely to remain a priority, alongside French-language proficiency and Canadian work experience categories.
Candidates working in eligible healthcare roles are advised to ensure that:
Their Express Entry profiles are active and up to date
Their work experience aligns with the correct NOC classification
Their language test results remain valid
Final Thoughts
The Express Entry Healthcare Draw February 2026 reinforces Canada’s targeted immigration strategy for critical sectors. With 4,000 ITAs issued and a CRS cut-off of 467, this round provides a meaningful opportunity for qualified healthcare professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada.
As Express Entry continues to evolve, category-based draws are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape.