IRCC Invites 4,000 Healthcare Professionals and Social Workers in Major Express Entry Healthcare Draw 2026
February 23, 2026
Express Entry healthcare draw 2026: The Express Entry healthcare draw of 2026 is a major milestone for Canada as it has made a strong move towards improving its healthcare and social services by conducting a major Express Entry draw based on occupation in February 2026.
In a move that shows strong demand for skilled workers, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued an invitation to 4,000 healthcare professionals and social workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry process.
First Healthcare-Focused Express Entry Draw of 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw of 2026 on February 20, 2026, for candidates in the occupation of healthcare and social services. This Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 is officially recognized as draw #398 and has resulted in the issuance of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), making it one of the most influential draws in the healthcare field in recent years.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 is 467, which is nine points lower than the last draw. This lowering of the CRS cut-off score is especially heartening for skilled professionals who may have been close to the cut-off score in the previous draw, thereby emphasizing that the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 is still providing more accessible and competitive pathways for qualified healthcare and social service professionals.
The cut-off time for this draw is December 9, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC, which means that candidates who had submitted their Express Entry profiles prior to this time would have been given priority if they had the same CRS score.
Strong Demand for Healthcare and Social Service Professionals
The healthcare and social services industry is one of the most important in Canada. With an aging population and a growing need for necessary services, the need for highly skilled professionals such as nurses, doctors, personal support workers, social workers, and allied health professionals has never been more important. The Express Entry healthcare draw in 2026 is a clear indication of Canada’s plan to prioritize the development of these essential industries.
Through the category-based draws of Express Entry, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is ensuring that immigration policies are closely aligned with actual labor market needs. This will enable Canada to invite highly skilled professionals in the healthcare and social services industry who can make a significant difference in the country.
Express Entry Pool Highlights Canada’s Immigration Momentum
As of February 15, 2026, a cumulative number of 235,695 candidate profiles had been entered into the Express Entry pool. This is a clear indicator of the high global interest in Canadian permanent residence and further cements Canada’s position as one of the most attractive countries in the world for skilled immigrants.
The high levels of participation also underscore the growing interest in the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026, which has presented a golden opportunity for skilled healthcare professionals and social workers around the world.
In 2026 so far, the Government of Canada has already issued 34,848 ITAs through Express Entry. This is a clear indicator that Canada is on course to meet, and possibly exceed, its ambitious immigration levels, particularly through initiatives such as the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 that align with labor market priorities.
Why This Draw Is a Game-Changer for Applicants?
This draw specific to the healthcare sector provides a great opportunity for candidates with expertise who may not have received invitations in the general draws. With a lower cut-off in the CRS and a targeted approach, the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 provides candidates with relevant work experience a better opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
For healthcare and social service workers already in Canada or planning to apply from abroad, this draw reinforces the importance of:
- Maintaining an active and accurate Express Entry profile
- Strengthening CRS scores through language proficiency, education, and work experience
- Staying informed about category-based draws and immigration policy updates
Early preparation and professional guidance can make a decisive difference in securing an ITA.
Canada’s Clear Message to Skilled Healthcare Workers
This round of draws is a clear and positive message: Canada cares about healthcare and social service professionals and is actively working towards their permanent residency in Canada. With the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026, by reducing the CRS cut-offs and issuing a large number of invitations, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making the Express Entry system more responsive, inclusive, and opportunity-driven.
For professionals looking for long-term stability, growth, and a high quality of life, Canada is the number one destination—and the Express Entry healthcare draw 2026 confirms that 2026 is going to be an incredible year for immigration success.
Planning Your Path to Canadian Permanent Residence
As the Express Entry draws become more targeted, it is important to note that those who take proactive steps will have a clear advantage. A well-crafted immigration strategy, based on the current trends of Express Entry draws, such as the Express Entry healthcare draw in 2026, will go a long way in ensuring approval and minimizing delays.
If you are a healthcare professional or a social worker interested in Canadian permanent residency, it is high time that you took proactive steps.
If you want to know more details about “IRCC Invites 4,000 Healthcare Professionals and Social Workers in Major Express Entry Healthcare Draw 2026“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
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