Express Entry
Express Entry Draw 397 Issues 391 Invitations Targeting Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw 397 highlights a growing shift toward targeted immigration selection as the country continues addressing healthcare workforce shortages. This draw, held on 19 February 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 391 Invitations to Apply under the newly created category for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience.
With a remarkably low minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169, this draw reflects how category-based selection can dramatically reshape competition within the Express Entry system.
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Why This Physician-Focused Draw Matters
Healthcare shortages remain one of Canada’s biggest workforce challenges. By targeting physicians already working in Canada, the government is prioritizing candidates who are already integrated into the healthcare system and capable of transitioning quickly to permanent residence.
This approach supports faster retention of medical professionals while easing pressure on hospitals and clinics across the country.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw 397
- Draw category: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
- Invitations issued: 391
- Minimum CRS score: 169
- Tie-breaking rule: January 03, 2026
The unusually low CRS score shows how occupational targeting can reduce reliance on high point thresholds seen in general draws.
Category-Based Selection: A New Era of Express Entry
Unlike traditional draws that rank candidates solely by CRS, category-based selection allows IRCC to invite applicants based on occupation or language skills.
This means:
- Healthcare professionals can receive ITAs even with lower CRS scores.
- Invitations align directly with labour shortages.
- Employers benefit from faster retention of skilled workers.
The physician category, introduced in late 2025, is already showing how powerful targeted draws can be in shaping immigration outcomes.
What Invited Candidates Should Do Next
Candidates who received invitations have 60 days to submit a full permanent residence application. Key steps include:
Gathering Employment Proof and Medical Credentials
- Completing police and medical clearances
- Ensuring profile details remain consistent with submitted documents
- Processing timelines remain aligned with standard Express Entry processing targets.
What This Means for Future Applicants
For doctors and healthcare professionals already in Canada, this draw sends a clear message, Canadian experience is becoming increasingly valuable in immigration selection.
Candidates still waiting in the pool should focus on:
- Maintaining valid work status
- Updating work experience and credentials
- Monitoring upcoming healthcare-focused draws
Canada’s latest physician-focused Express Entry draw confirms that healthcare remains a top immigration priority. By lowering CRS barriers and targeting candidates with Canadian work experience, the government is using immigration policy as a direct solution to workforce shortages. For healthcare professionals, staying active in the Express Entry pool could open faster pathways to permanent residence in 2026.
