Quick Answer
Canada invited 271 physicians with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence in a June 24 Express Entry draw. The minimum CRS score required was 223, and profiles had to be created before May 31, 2026.
Draw at a Glance
271
Invitations issued
223
Minimum CRS score
Physicians
Targeted programme
Full Draw Breakdown
On June 24, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the year specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience. The draw issued 271 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 223. To qualify, candidates needed to have created an Express Entry profile before 6:13 p.m. UTC on May 31, 2026.
This draw follows a similar one held on February 19, 2026, which invited 391 physicians with a significantly higher CRS cut-off of 169. The drop in the minimum CRS score by 56 points suggests IRCC is adjusting its selection criteria to include more candidates who may not have scored as highly in previous rounds.
| Stream | Invitations | Min. CRS | Profile Creation Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 271 | 223 | Before May 31, 2026, 6:13 p.m. UTC |
How This Draw Compares to Recent Ones
The June 24 draw marks a notable shift in IRCC’s approach to selecting physicians. The CRS cut-off of 223 is the lowest for this category in 2026, down from 169 in February. This change indicates IRCC may be prioritising a broader pool of physicians, potentially to address labour shortages in underserved regions.
Take Dr. Amina Khan, a family physician from Pakistan who has been working in rural Alberta for the past two years. In February’s draw, her CRS score of 210 wasn’t enough to secure an ITA. However, the lower cut-off in June means she now qualifies. "I was starting to lose hope," she says. "This draw gives me a real chance to stay permanently and continue serving my community."
Compared to other Express Entry draws in 2026, the CRS cut-off for physicians remains significantly lower than those for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). For example, the June 23 CEC draw required a CRS score of 516, while the June 22 PNP draw had a cut-off of 730. This disparity highlights IRCC’s targeted approach to filling critical gaps in Canada’s healthcare system.
In practice, border agents and IRCC officers have shown flexibility in interpreting work experience for physicians, especially those in locum or temporary roles. But there is a catch: documentation remains key. "We’ve seen cases where physicians assumed their work experience would automatically qualify," says immigration consultant Raj Patel. "Yet if your employment letter doesn’t explicitly state your role, hours, and compliance with provincial licensing, IRCC may reject your application."
Why IRCC Is Targeting Physicians
Canada’s healthcare system relies heavily on internationally trained physicians, particularly in rural and remote areas. According to IRCC’s 2026 immigration levels plan, the government aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents this year, with a significant portion allocated to skilled workers in healthcare. Physicians are a priority because they fill gaps that Canadian-trained doctors often avoid, such as positions in northern communities or specialties like family medicine.
This draw also aligns with IRCC’s broader strategy of prioritising candidates already contributing to Canada’s economy. Over 60% of the 85,067 ITAs issued in 2026 have gone to candidates with Canadian work experience, including those in the CEC and PNP streams. For physicians, this means those already working in Canada—even on temporary permits—have a clear pathway to permanent residence.
If You Weren’t Invited — What to Do Now
If your CRS score fell below 223 or you missed the May 31 profile creation deadline, don’t panic. Here’s how to improve your chances in future draws:
Boost Your CRS Score
Your CRS score is calculated based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Even small improvements can make a difference. For example, retaking the IELTS or CELPIP test to achieve a higher language score can add up to 24 points. If you’re under 30, you’ll also earn more points for age.
Secure a Provincial Nomination
A nomination from a Canadian province adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in a subsequent draw. Provinces like Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia have streams specifically for physicians. For instance, Saskatchewan’s International Healthcare Worker EOI system targets doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Update Your Express Entry Profile
Ensure your profile reflects all eligible work experience, especially if you’ve recently completed additional training or gained new certifications. IRCC allows candidates to update their profiles at any time, and even minor changes can push your score above the next cut-off.
Explore Alternative Pathways
If Express Entry isn’t working for you, consider other immigration programmes. The Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP) and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) are designed for workers in specific regions, including healthcare professionals. Some provinces also offer temporary work permits that can later transition to permanent residence.
📅 What to Watch For
IRCC has not announced the next physician-specific draw, but based on 2026 trends, another round could occur in late August or early September. Keep an eye on the official IRCC draws page for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category?
This is a targeted Express Entry stream for physicians who have gained work experience in Canada. It falls under IRCC’s category-based selection draws, which prioritise candidates in high-demand occupations. To qualify, you must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Canada as a physician, and your experience must be listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) under TEER 31100 (Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine) or TEER 31102 (General practitioners and family physicians).
Why did the CRS cut-off drop so much from February’s draw?
The drop in the CRS cut-off from 169 in February to 223 in June suggests IRCC is adjusting its selection criteria to include more candidates. Several factors could explain this change:
IRCC may be responding to feedback from provincial health authorities about labour shortages in rural areas, where physicians often have lower CRS scores due to factors like age or language proficiency. The pool of eligible physicians may have grown since February, allowing IRCC to invite more candidates without raising the cut-off. There could also be a strategic shift to prioritise retention of physicians already working in Canada, even if their scores are lower than those of candidates abroad.
Can I still apply if I didn’t create my Express Entry profile before May 31?
No. The June 24 draw was limited to candidates who created their Express Entry profiles before 6:13 p.m. UTC on May 31, 2026. However, you can still create or update your profile for future draws. IRCC does not announce profile creation deadlines in advance, so it’s best to submit your profile as soon as possible. Once your profile is in the pool, you’ll be eligible for all relevant draws, including general, programme-specific, and category-based rounds.
What documents do I need to prove my Canadian work experience as a physician?
IRCC requires specific documentation to verify your Canadian work experience. For physicians, this typically includes:
A letter from your employer(s) on official letterhead, detailing your job title, duties, hours worked per week, and the duration of your employment. The letter must confirm you were paid for your work and that your employment was authorised (e.g., under a work permit). Proof of provincial licensing or registration, if applicable. This could include a copy of your medical licence or a letter from the provincial regulatory body confirming your eligibility to practise. Pay stubs or T4 slips showing your employment income. While not always required, these can help support your application. If you worked in multiple roles or locations, you’ll need documentation for each position.
Incomplete or unclear documentation is a common reason for application refusals. Double-check that your employer’s letter includes all required details before submitting your application.
📋 Official Source
Verified against the official IRCC Express Entry draws page. Always confirm with canada.ca before submitting applications.
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