IRCC’s focus on health-care labour shortages produced another milestone on February 20 with publication of results from a physicians-exclusive Express Entry draw held the previous evening. The round invited 391 doctors who already have Canadian work experience and posted a CRS cut-off of just 169—the lowest score seen since the pandemic-era mega-draw of February 2021. The physician category was announced in December 2025 to complement provincial efforts to recruit and retain family doctors and specialists. Eligible candidates must show at least one year of full-time, in-Canada clinical experience in one of three NOC codes and meet the general requirements of a Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades pathway.
![First-ever physicians-only Express Entry draw sets record-low CRS of 169]()
Navigating the documentation that underpins these immigration programs can be overwhelming. VisaHQ’s team of regulated consultants offers end-to-end support with Canadian visas, work-permit renewals and PR applications, allowing busy physicians to concentrate on their clinical duties instead. Doctors can start the process or simply explore their options at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Why the ultra-low CRS? Physicians often score poorly on CRS age factors because many complete long residencies and fellowships before immigrating. By carving out a bespoke category, IRCC can hand-pick badly needed talent without forcing candidates to compete against younger professionals in other occupations. Hospitals and provincial health authorities greeted the news enthusiastically. With nearly 6 million Canadians lacking a family doctor, the Canadian Medical Association estimates the country needs 17,000 more physicians by 2030. This targeted pathway gives international medical graduates already practising under provisional licences a faster route to permanence and, crucially, access to public billing numbers that require PR status in several provinces. Employers should audit their physician workforce immediately; those holding work permits under C10 (significant benefit) or provincial nominee streams may now be eligible for permanent residence months earlier than expected, improving retention and reducing LMIA-related costs.
Navigating the documentation that underpins these immigration programs can be overwhelming. VisaHQ’s team of regulated consultants offers end-to-end support with Canadian visas, work-permit renewals and PR applications, allowing busy physicians to concentrate on their clinical duties instead. Doctors can start the process or simply explore their options at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Why the ultra-low CRS? Physicians often score poorly on CRS age factors because many complete long residencies and fellowships before immigrating. By carving out a bespoke category, IRCC can hand-pick badly needed talent without forcing candidates to compete against younger professionals in other occupations. Hospitals and provincial health authorities greeted the news enthusiastically. With nearly 6 million Canadians lacking a family doctor, the Canadian Medical Association estimates the country needs 17,000 more physicians by 2030. This targeted pathway gives international medical graduates already practising under provisional licences a faster route to permanence and, crucially, access to public billing numbers that require PR status in several provinces. Employers should audit their physician workforce immediately; those holding work permits under C10 (significant benefit) or provincial nominee streams may now be eligible for permanent residence months earlier than expected, improving retention and reducing LMIA-related costs.
