Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw 397 (Physicians Category)
- Canada conducted Express Entry Draw #397
- 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued
- Targeted category: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience — 2026 Version 1
- Minimum CRS score: 169 points
- One of the lowest CRS cut-offs for a category-based draw
First Draw Under New Physicians Category
This round is the first category-based selection specifically for doctors working in Canada, introduced to fast-track permanent residence for physicians already contributing to the country’s healthcare system.
To qualify, candidates needed:
- At least one year of continuous work experience in Canada as a physician
- Experience gained within the last three years
- Eligibility under one of the Express Entry programs
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set on January 3, 2026, at 03:25:14 UTC, meaning profiles submitted before that timestamp were prioritized among candidates with the same CRS score.
Why the CRS Score Was So Low For Express Entry Draw 397
Experts say the unusually low cut-off indicates a small pool of eligible physicians in the Express Entry system. As a result, IRCC was able to invite nearly all qualified candidates.
The score of 169 is also reported as the second-lowest CRS requirement ever recorded, surpassed only by a pandemic-era draw in 2021.
Addressing Canada’s Doctor Shortage
The new category is part of Canada’s broader strategy to tackle critical healthcare workforce shortages by prioritizing doctors already working in the country.
The pathway is designed to:
- Retain internationally trained physicians
- Strengthen Canada’s healthcare system
- Provide a faster route to permanent residency for in-demand medical professionals
Part of Expanded Category-Based Selection
Category-based draws allow IRCC to invite candidates whose profiles align with specific economic and labour market needs, rather than relying solely on general rankings.
Canada recently expanded its Express Entry categories to include targeted groups such as:
- Physicians
- Researchers and senior managers
- Transport occupations
- Skilled military personnel
Immigration analysts expect more occupation-specific draws in 2026 as Canada continues prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience, particularly in sectors facing acute labour shortages.