Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.

The immigration department issued 4,000 ITAs in a draw for candidates in the Healthcare and social services category.

To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have

A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 467; and
Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 6:22 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on December  9, 2025.

See your eligibility for all Express Entry categories

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2026

Today’s draw is the third category-based selection draw, and the tenth Express Entry selection of the year overall.

It also marks the first draw for Healthcare and social services workers this year, through the Express Entry system. IRCC has continued to prioritize these professionals for ITAs under category-based selection, in the face of continued labour market shortages.

Express Entry draws in 2026 have seen Canada’s immigration department focus largely on immigration candidates within the country, particularly those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.

Draw TypeNumber of Draws

Provincial Nominee Program4

Canadian Experience Class3

French-Language proficiency1

Physicians with Canadian work experience1

Healthcare and social services 1

In 2026 thus far, IRCC has issued 34,848 ITAs across the following draw types:

Draw typeITAs Issued

Canadian Experience Class20,000

French-Language proficiency8,500

Healthcare and social services 4,000

Provincial Nominee Program1,534

Physicians with Canadian work experience391

See your eligibility for all Express Entry categories

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