Canada has marked a major immigration milestone with Express Entry Draw #397, the first-ever category-based draw dedicated exclusively to physicians with Canadian work experience. This targeted selection highlights Canada’s growing need for skilled healthcare professionals while offering a clearer and faster pathway to permanent residence for doctors already contributing to the Canadian healthcare system. The initiative reflects a strong shift toward immigration policies that prioritize essential sectors facing labour shortages.

The draw took place on February 19, 2026, inviting 391 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 169, which is significantly lower than many recent Express Entry rounds. Compared to earlier draws where thousands of applicants were selected through broader categories like the Canadian Experience Class, this physician-specific round demonstrates how express entry new categories are helping Canada address urgent workforce needs through targeted immigration selection.

Healthcare professionals reviewing these updates often seek guidance to understand eligibility requirements and category-based selection rules. Through ImmigCanada immigration consulting services, applicants can connect with a certified Canadian immigration consultant who helps assess eligibility, verify occupation codes, and strengthen Express Entry profiles based on current immigration priorities.

Express Entry Draw #397 Results Overview

Here are the official results of the latest draw:

Category	Details
Draw Type	Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Draw Number	397
Date	February 19, 2026
Invitations Issued	391
Minimum CRS Score	169
Tie-breaking Rule	January 03, 2026 at 03:25:14 UTC

The low CRS threshold shows how category-based selection allows skilled professionals in priority occupations to receive invitations even with moderate scores.

Eligible NOC Codes for Physicians in 2026

The draw focused on physicians with recognized Canadian work experience under specific occupations:

NOC Code	Occupation
31100	Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101	Specialists in surgery
31102	General practitioners and family physicians

Candidates working under these NOC codes may now benefit from a more direct route to Canadian permanent residence.

Why Canada Introduced a Physician-Specific Express Entry Draw

Canada continues to experience physician shortages across several provinces, particularly in family medicine and specialized care. By creating a dedicated draw, the government aims to retain medical professionals already working within the system rather than relying only on new arrivals.

Physicians with Canadian work experience are highly valued because they:

• Understand Canadian healthcare standards and regulations
• Have practical experience in local clinical environments
• Adapt quickly to patient care expectations
• Help reduce existing healthcare workforce gaps

This targeted strategy supports long-term healthcare stability while rewarding professionals who already serve Canadian communities.

How Category-Based Selection Is Shaping Express Entry

Since the introduction of category-based selection, Canada’s Express Entry system has moved toward occupation-focused invitations. Instead of selecting candidates only based on high CRS scores, the government now targets sectors facing real labour shortages.

Recent examples include:

• Express entry draw for senior Managers
• Express entry draw for Aviation professionals
• Express entry draw for skilled foreign military recruits

These targeted rounds reflect a broader strategy of aligning immigration selection with economic priorities and workforce demand.

What This Means for Physicians and Future Applicants

For doctors already working in Canada, Express Entry Draw #397 represents a strong opportunity for permanent residence. Candidates with qualifying work experience may now receive invitations even without extremely high CRS scores, provided their occupations meet category requirements.

To Improve Their Chances, Physicians Should:

• Ensure their work experience aligns with eligible NOC codes
• Keep Express Entry profiles updated
• Maintain licensing and employment documentation
• Monitor future healthcare-focused draws

Many healthcare professionals also choose to work with a regulated immigration consultant to avoid profile errors and ensure applications meet current immigration standards.

About ImmigCanada

ImmigCanada supports healthcare professionals and skilled workers by providing immigration guidance tailored to evolving Express Entry policies. With frequent updates to category-based selection, professional advice helps applicants understand eligibility, prepare stronger profiles, and plan a clear pathway toward permanent residence. The launch of Express Entry Draw #397 Invites 391 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience represents a significant step in Canada’s immigration strategy. Through express entry new categories, Canada is actively selecting professionals who can immediately strengthen essential sectors like healthcare. Physicians already working in Canada now have a more direct and realistic opportunity to secure permanent residency, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to healthcare workforce stability.