Canada Continues Physician-Focused Immigration with Second Express Entry Draw of 2026

Canada is continuing to use Express Entry as a tool to retain healthcare professionals who are already contributing to the country’s medical system.

Rather than relying solely on international recruitment, the federal government is increasingly prioritizing physicians with Canadian work experience, offering them a direct pathway to permanent residence.

The latest invitation round reflects this ongoing strategy, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another category-based draw exclusively for physicians already working in Canada.

On June 24, 2026, IRCC issued 271 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category. To qualify for an invitation, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 223 and an Express Entry profile submitted before May 31, 2026, at 6:13 p.m. UTC. As with other Express Entry rounds, IRCC applied its tie-breaking rule to candidates with identical CRS scores.

Although this was a relatively small invitation round compared to other Express Entry draws, it highlights Canada’s continued effort to retain doctors who have already gained experience within the Canadian healthcare system. These professionals are often able to transition more quickly into permanent residence because they are already familiar with Canadian medical standards, workplace practices, and patient care systems.

Previous Draws

This marks the 33rd Express Entry draw of 2026 and the second physician-specific selection held this year. The first took place on February 19, when 391 physicians received invitations with a significantly lower CRS score of 169. While the June draw invited fewer candidates and required a higher CRS score of 223, both rounds demonstrate that physicians remain a distinct priority within Canada’s category-based immigration framework.

Canada's Express Entry System Is Becoming More Targeted

Express Entry selections throughout 2026 have increasingly focused on applicants who can fill specific labour market needs instead of broad all-program invitations. Candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, French-language proficiency, and skills in high-demand occupations have consistently received priority. Recent invitation rounds illustrate this approach. One day before the physician draw, Canada invited 4,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a CRS cut-off of 516. The preceding day saw 955 invitations issued through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), while French-language proficiency draws and occupation-specific selections have remained regular features of the immigration calendar throughout the year.

This steady rotation between targeted categories demonstrates IRCC’s strategy of addressing workforce shortages while supporting Canada’s long-term economic objectives.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominees
French-speaking applicants
Healthcare and social services professionals
Physicians with Canadian work experience
Skilled trades workers
Senior managers with Canadian work experience

More Than 85,000 Invitations Issued in 2026

Following the June 24 physician draw, Canada has issued 85,067 Invitations to Apply through Express Entry in 2026. The Canadian Experience Class continues to account for the highest number of invitations, with 41,250 ITAs issued so far. French-speaking candidates have received 30,500 invitations, reflecting Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Occupation-specific categories have also played an important role this year. Healthcare and social services professionals have received 4,000 invitations, while 662 physicians with Canadian work experience have now been invited across two dedicated draws. Additional invitations have gone to Provincial Nominee Program candidates, skilled trades workers, and senior managers with Canadian work experience.

The frequency of invitation rounds further reinforces this targeted approach. During 2026, IRCC has conducted 12 Provincial Nominee Program draws, 10 Canadian Experience Class draws, six French-language proficiency draws, two physician-specific draws, and individual rounds for healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, and senior managers.

Why Canada Is Focusing on Physicians

Access to healthcare continues to be a priority across Canada, with many provinces reporting shortages of family physicians and specialists. Population growth, increasing demand for medical services, and retirements within the healthcare workforce have intensified the need for qualified doctors.

By selecting physicians who already possess Canadian work experience, Canada is able to retain professionals who have demonstrated their ability to work within the country’s healthcare system. This approach helps reduce recruitment timelines while strengthening healthcare services in communities experiencing persistent shortages.

The continued use of physician-specific Express Entry draws indicates that retaining experienced medical professionals remains an important component of Canada’s broader immigration strategy.

What This Draw Suggests About Future Immigration Priorities

The latest physician draw reflects a broader shift in Canada’s immigration system toward selecting candidates based on economic needs rather than conducting large general invitation rounds.

Healthcare professionals continue to receive dedicated opportunities through Express Entry, alongside Canadian Experience Class applicants, Provincial Nominee Program nominees, French-speaking candidates, and other workers in occupations facing labour shortages.

As Canada continues to align immigration with workforce demands, physicians who already have Canadian work experience are likely to remain well positioned for future permanent residence opportunities through Express Entry.

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