Ottawa, February 21, 2026, Canada’s immigration system delivered another major update this week as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted a new Express Entry draw on February 20, 2026. In this round, 4,000 Invitations to Apply were issued to candidates in healthcare and social services occupations, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 467.
This latest round continues a historic week for Express Entry. Between February 16 and February 20, a total of 10,670 ITAs were sent across four separate draws. The rapid pace highlights Canada’s aggressive immigration strategy for 2026, especially in addressing healthcare labor shortages nationwide.
In this detailed breakdown, we examine the latest Express Entry draw results, eligible occupations, CRS trends, tie-breaking rules, and what happens next for invited candidates.
The February 20, 2026, draw marks Express Entry draw number 398. It specifically targeted healthcare and social services occupations under the 2026 category-based selection system.
Here are the official details released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:
| Draw Number | 398 |
|---|---|
| Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Category | Healthcare and Social Services Occupations |
| ITAs Issued | 4,000 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 467 |
| Rank Required | 4,000 or above |
| Tie Breaking Rule | December 09, 2025 at 18:22:06 UTC |
The CRS cutoff of 467 is considered moderate when compared to recent Canadian Experience Class draws, but competitive for occupation targeted rounds.
When multiple candidates share the same CRS score, IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule. In this draw, the timestamp was December 09, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC.
This means candidates with exactly 467 CRS points were only invited if their Express Entry profile was submitted before this specific date and time. Those who submitted afterward remain in the pool.
This week has been one of the busiest periods in Express Entry history. From February 16 to February 20, four separate draws were conducted.
Here is a breakdown of all draws this week:
| Draw # | Date | Category | ITAs | CRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 398 | Feb 20 | Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 | 467 |
| 397 | Feb 19 | Physicians (Canadian Experience) | 391 | 169 |
| 396 | Feb 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 508 |
| 395 | Feb 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 279 | 789 |
| Total | 4 Draws | 10,670 |
The diversity in CRS cutoffs this week is striking. The Physicians category had a remarkably low CRS of 169, while the Provincial Nominee Program draw required 789 due to the 600 additional nomination points.
This strategic approach shows how IRCC is balancing multiple immigration priorities simultaneously.
Canada continues to face severe healthcare staffing shortages. Provinces across the country are actively recruiting internationally trained professionals to fill gaps in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
By issuing 4,000 ITAs in a single healthcare draw, IRCC is sending a clear message that healthcare remains a top immigration priority in 2026.
The occupations selected range from physicians and registered nurses to social workers and laboratory technologists. The broad scope ensures both clinical and support roles are addressed.
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed at least 12 months of full-time equivalent work experience within the last three years in one of 37 designated occupations.
Below is a summary categorized by TEER level under the NOC 2021 system.
| Occupation | NOC 2021 |
|---|---|
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Audiologists and speech language pathologists | 31112 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Dietitians and nutritionists | 31121 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Social workers | 41300 |
| Occupation | NOC 2021 |
|---|---|
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Respiratory therapists | 32103 |
| Dental hygienists | 32111 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 |
| Occupation | NOC 2021 |
|---|---|
| Medical laboratory assistants | 33101 |
| Nurse aides and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
This wide range demonstrates that Canada is targeting the full healthcare ecosystem, not just doctors and nurses.
Some candidates have reported receiving ITAs despite having less than 12 months of work experience in eligible occupations.
However, IRCC’s official instructions clearly state that candidates must have at least one year of full time equivalent experience within the last three years in a targeted occupation.
If a candidate does not meet this requirement but received an ITA, submitting a permanent residence application could result in refusal. In such cases, declining the ITA may be the safest option.
Candidates should always ensure they fully meet eligibility criteria before submitting their application.
Candidates invited in this Express Entry draw now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
The application must include:
Failure to submit within 60 days results in expiration of the ITA.
Healthcare professionals should also research provincial licensing requirements. Receiving permanent residence does not automatically grant permission to practice in regulated occupations. Each province has its own regulatory body.
The CRS landscape in 2026 appears dynamic. Category based draws are lowering CRS thresholds for targeted occupations while general draws remain competitive.
Healthcare draws in particular may continue throughout the year due to labor shortages. Candidates working in eligible occupations should ensure their profiles are updated with accurate NOC codes and work history.
Improving language scores, gaining additional work experience, or obtaining provincial nominations remain effective strategies to boost CRS points.
The CRS cutoff was 467 for healthcare and social services occupations.
A total of 10,670 ITAs were issued across four draws between February 16 and February 20, 2026.
Yes. Eligible work experience can be gained in Canada or abroad, as long as it totals at least 12 months within the past three years.
While IRCC does not announce future draw dates, draws typically occur every two weeks. The next round may take place in early March.
The February 20, 2026, Express Entry draw confirms that healthcare professionals remain central to Canada’s immigration strategy.
Issuing 4,000 ITAs in a single occupation-specific draw demonstrates the government’s urgency in filling critical workforce gaps.
For candidates in healthcare and social services, 2026 presents significant opportunities. Ensuring accurate documentation, meeting eligibility requirements, and preparing a strong application are essential steps toward securing Canadian permanent residence.
As Express Entry continues evolving, staying informed about draw trends, CRS fluctuations, and category changes will be crucial for anyone planning to immigrate to Canada this year.
Stay tuned for further updates as new Express Entry draws are announced and immigration policies continue to develop.
