Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 271 invitations in a new Express Entry draw targeting physicians with Canadian work experience.
The draw took place on June 24, 2026, at 14:00:30 UTC.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation was 223, while the tie-breaking rule was May 31, 2026, at 18:13:49 UTC.
This means candidates with a CRS score of 223 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time to receive an invitation.
What the Latest Draw Means for Applicants
This was a category-based Express Entry draw created specifically for physicians with eligible Canadian work experience.
Unlike general Express Entry draws, category-based rounds target candidates whose skills and work experience support Canada’s economic priorities and labour market needs.
For eligible physicians already working in Canada, this draw provides a dedicated pathway to apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
Who Was Eligible for This Draw
Under the Ministerial Instructions, candidates needed to have acquired at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, within the previous three years in an eligible physician occupation.
Applicants were also required to have performed the lead statement and a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential duties, described under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
The eligible occupations for this draw were:
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in Surgery
- NOC 31102 – General Practitioners and Family Physicians
The Ministerial Instructions also state that unauthorized work performed in Canada cannot be counted toward the required work experience.
Why This Draw Is Important
According to the Ministerial Instructions, this new category was established to support Canada’s long-term economic success by retaining top talent with Canadian work experience.
By conducting occupation-specific invitation rounds, Canada can select professionals with skills that are important to the country’s healthcare system while creating additional Permanent Residency opportunities for eligible applicants already contributing to the Canadian workforce.
What Applicants Should Know
This draw does not operate as a separate immigration program.
To receive an invitation, candidates must first be eligible under one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry and also meet the eligibility requirements for the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience (2026-Version 1) category.
The Role of Sehli Global
Category-based Express Entry draws require applicants to satisfy both the general Express Entry requirements and the eligibility criteria for the selected occupation category.
As a licensed RCIC Canada immigration consultancy, Sehli Global helps applicants assess their eligibility, review their Canadian work experience, prepare Express Entry applications, and identify the most suitable pathway to Permanent Residency based on their individual circumstances.
Applicants seeking professional support with Express Entry or Permanent Residency applications can book a consultation with Sehli Global.
Conclusion
IRCC’s latest Express Entry draw issued 271 invitations to eligible physicians with Canadian work experience on June 24, 2026.
With a CRS cut-off score of 223, the draw highlights Canada’s continued use of category-based selection to retain highly skilled healthcare professionals already working in the country.
Eligible physicians should continue monitoring future Express Entry rounds as Canada advances its immigration priorities throughout 2026.
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