Express Entry Draw – February 19, 2026: What You Need to Know
Canada held a significant Express Entry draw on February 19, 2026, marking the first-ever category‑based selection round for physicians with Canadian work experience. This draw stands out not only because it introduced a new targeted category, but also because it delivered one of the lowest CRS cut‑off scores in Express Entry history.
According to IRCC, the draw issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), with a CRS cut‑off score of 169.
This makes it the second-lowest CRS score ever recorded, surpassed only by a pandemic‑era CEC draw in 2021.
Key Details of the February 19, 2026 Draw
This draw is part of Canada’s broader strategy to address healthcare shortages and streamline permanent residence pathways for medical professionals already contributing to the Canadian system.
Why This Draw Matters
1. A New Category for Physicians
This was the first draw under the newly announced category for physicians with Canadian work experience, introduced in December 2025.
Eligible occupations include:
• General practitioners and family physicians
• Specialists in surgery
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Candidates must have at least 12 months of full‑time Canadian work experience in the last three years.
2. Exceptionally Low CRS Cut‑off
A CRS score of 169 is extraordinarily low for Express Entry, especially compared to recent draws in 2026:
• CEC draws: 508–511
• PNP draws: 711–789
• French-language draws: 400
This signals a highly targeted approach, where IRCC is prioritizing critical labour shortages over general high-scoring profiles.
3. Canada’s 2026 Immigration Strategy
The February 19 draw aligns with Canada’s 2026 focus on:
• Healthcare professionals
• Researchers and senior managers
• Transport-sector workers
• Skilled military recruits
• French-language candidates
• Priority trades and STEM occupations
This shift reflects Canada’s long-term economic planning and the need to stabilize essential sectors.
What This Means for Applicants
1. Category-Based Draws Are Now Central
IRCC is clearly moving away from general draws and toward targeted, occupation‑specific rounds. If you work in a priority sector, your chances of receiving an ITA may increase—even with a lower CRS score.
2. Healthcare Workers Have a Major Advantage
This draw confirms that physicians with Canadian experience are now among the most favoured groups. Other healthcare roles (nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, dentists) are also expected to benefit from upcoming rounds.
3. Lower CRS Scores May Become More Common—But Only in Targeted Categories
A CRS of 169 does not indicate that general draws will drop. Instead, it shows that category-based draws can dramatically lower the threshold when Canada urgently needs specific talent.
4. Strong Profiles Still Matter
Even in targeted draws, candidates must:
• Meet eligibility for an Express Entry program
• Have valid Canadian work experience
• Submit a complete, accurate profile
Tie‑breaking rules still apply, so early profile submission remains important.
Who Should Pay Attention to This Draw?
*Physicians already working in Canada
*International medical graduates planning to gain Canadian experience
*Healthcare professionals in related fields
*Applicants in other priority sectors (STEM, trades, French-language)
*Candidates with moderate CRS scores who may benefit from category-based selection
If you fall into any of these groups, now is the time to ensure your Express Entry profile is optimized.
A Turning Point for Express Entry in 2026
The February 19, 2026 draw is a clear signal that Canada is reshaping Express Entry to meet urgent labour needs, especially in healthcare. With a CRS cut‑off of 169 and 391 ITAs issued, this draw demonstrates how powerful category-based selection can be for qualified candidates.
If you’re considering Express Entry in 2026, staying informed about category trends—and aligning your profile accordingly—will be essential.
