Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) resumed category-based Express Entry draws on June 24 with a round dedicated to physicians who already have Canadian work experience. The department issued 271 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of just 223—the lowest score for any occupational draw in 2026. This is only the second physician-specific round since Ottawa introduced job-market-oriented categories last year, and brings total invitations for doctors this year to 662.
![IRCC invites 271 physicians in targeted Express Entry draw, lowest CRS 223]()
During the immigration journey, applicants often need interim visas or document authentication; VisaHQ can simplify these steps. Its Canada-focused platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time guidance, document checklists and concierge filing services, helping physicians and their families avoid delays while moving toward permanent residence.
The move signals Ottawa’s intention to keep easing chronic shortages in family medicine, surgery and laboratory specialties, especially in fast-growing provinces such as Alberta and Nova Scotia that rely heavily on internationally trained doctors. Provincial regulatory colleges have recently streamlined foreign-credential recognition, enabling new permanent residents to start practice more quickly once licensed. For hospital networks and private clinics, the draw offers a timely recruitment window: candidates who receive an ITA can in many cases secure permanent residence within six months, aligning with fall staffing cycles. Employers that hold “Exemption C10” significant-benefit work permits for physicians can now transition those hires directly to PR, improving retention and reducing LMIA compliance overhead. Prospective physician applicants should ensure up-to-date proof of medical licensure eligibility and maintain an Express Entry profile; subsequent rounds may tighten as the annual quota of 1,000 physician ITAs approaches.
During the immigration journey, applicants often need interim visas or document authentication; VisaHQ can simplify these steps. Its Canada-focused platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time guidance, document checklists and concierge filing services, helping physicians and their families avoid delays while moving toward permanent residence.
The move signals Ottawa’s intention to keep easing chronic shortages in family medicine, surgery and laboratory specialties, especially in fast-growing provinces such as Alberta and Nova Scotia that rely heavily on internationally trained doctors. Provincial regulatory colleges have recently streamlined foreign-credential recognition, enabling new permanent residents to start practice more quickly once licensed. For hospital networks and private clinics, the draw offers a timely recruitment window: candidates who receive an ITA can in many cases secure permanent residence within six months, aligning with fall staffing cycles. Employers that hold “Exemption C10” significant-benefit work permits for physicians can now transition those hires directly to PR, improving retention and reducing LMIA compliance overhead. Prospective physician applicants should ensure up-to-date proof of medical licensure eligibility and maintain an Express Entry profile; subsequent rounds may tighten as the annual quota of 1,000 physician ITAs approaches.
