Canada Holds The First Express Entry Draw Under A New Category 

Canada holds the first Express Entry draw under a new category, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued another round of invitations through the Express Entry system.

In the latest round, the department issued 391 invitations to apply (ITAs) to applicants under the Physicians with Canadian work experience category.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to have

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169; and
• Created an Express Entry profile before 3:25 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on January 3, 2026.

Express Entry Draw Results In 2026

This latest round is the first draw held under the newly introduced Physicians with Canadian work experience category. It is also only the second category-based selection draw of the year as well as the ninth Express Entry draw overall in 2026.

With a CRS cut-off score of just 169, this draw recorded one of the lowest scores in Express Entry history. The only lower score was seen in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw held during the pandemic in 2021, which had a CRS cut-off of 75.

It is important to note that IRCC first announced the physician category in December 2025. The move was part of broader efforts to increase the number of doctors in Canada through both federal as well as provincial immigration pathways.

To qualify under this category, candidates must:

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs
• Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the past three years (or equivalent part-time experience) in an eligible occupation
• Have gained this work experience in Canada in one of the three occupations included in the category
• Meet all requirements listed in the ministerial instructions for the specific selection round

So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have mainly focused on applicants already living in Canada, especially those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience.

In total, IRCC has issued 30,848 ITAs in 2026 across the following categories:

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.