Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw on September 3, 2026, under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category. In this round, IRCC issued 229 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence to eligible Express Entry candidates.

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 198 to receive an invitation. The targeted draw highlights Canada's continued efforts to attract qualified physicians with Canadian work experience who can contribute to the country's healthcare system and labour market.

Key Highlights of the September 3, 2026 Draw

  • Draw Name: Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026
  • Date and Time: September 3, 2026, at 11:18:08 UTC
  • CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 198
  • Invitations Issued: 229
  • Rank Required: 229 or above
  • Tie-Breaking Rule: August 6, 2026, at 19:40:38 UTC

If multiple candidates had a CRS score of 198, IRCC applied the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time their Express Entry profiles were submitted. Candidates who submitted their profiles before August 6, 2026, at 19:40:38 UTC were prioritized.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

What Is the Physicians With Canadian Work Experience Category?

The Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category is designed to support Canada's efforts to attract medical professionals who have relevant work experience in Canada. Category-based Express Entry selection allows IRCC to invite candidates who meet specific occupational or experience-based requirements in addition to the standard Express Entry eligibility criteria.

This targeted selection can provide eligible physicians with Canadian work experience an additional opportunity to receive an ITA for permanent residence.

Understanding Canada's Express Entry System

Express Entry is Canada's online immigration management system for skilled workers. It manages applications under three major economic immigration programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

IRCC uses the Comprehensive Ranking System to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. Candidates are assigned CRS scores based on factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience and other qualifying factors.

IRCC can conduct different types of invitation rounds, including general, program-specific and category-based selections, depending on Canada's immigration priorities.

How Does the CRS Score Work?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points to Express Entry candidates based on several factors, including:
  • Age
  • Education
  • Language proficiency
  • Skilled work experience
  • Canadian work experience
  • Spouse or common-law partner factors, where applicable
Candidates may also receive additional CRS points for factors such as:
  • Provincial or territorial nomination
  • Eligible job offers
  • Canadian education
  • Strong French-language proficiency
  • Eligible sibling in Canada
A higher CRS score can improve a candidate's chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply in future Express Entry draws.

Steps to Receive an Invitation to Apply

Candidates planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry generally need to:
  1. Check their eligibility under an eligible Express Entry program.
  2. Complete the required language tests and educational assessments.
  3. Create and submit an Express Entry profile.
  4. Receive a CRS score and enter the Express Entry pool.
  5. Monitor upcoming Express Entry draws and category-based selections.
  6. Receive an ITA if their ranking meets the requirements of a draw.
  7. Submit a complete permanent residence application within the required deadline.

What Happens After Receiving an ITA?

Receiving an Invitation to Apply is an important step toward Canadian permanent residence, but it does not automatically guarantee approval. Candidates must submit a complete application with all required supporting documents within the specified timeframe.

IRCC then assesses the application based on eligibility, admissibility, documentation and other applicable requirements before making a final decision.

What Does the September 3 Draw Mean for Physicians?

The issuance of 229 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 198 provides another opportunity for eligible physicians with Canadian work experience to pursue Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.

Physicians who have Canadian work experience should review their Express Entry profiles and ensure that their work experience, education, language results and other information are accurate and up to date.

Candidates who do not receive an ITA in a particular draw can continue to remain in the Express Entry pool, provided they remain eligible, and explore ways to improve their CRS score for future selections.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada's electronic immigration application management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Through Express Entry, IRCC ranks eligible candidates using the CRS and conducts different types of invitation rounds based on Canada's economic and immigration priorities.

Category-based selection allows IRCC to target candidates with specific skills, work experience or other characteristics that align with Canada's immigration objectives.

With 229 ITAs issued in the September 3, 2026, Physicians with Canadian Work Experience draw and a CRS cut-off of 198, eligible physicians may have an opportunity to move forward with their Canadian permanent residence plans.

Candidates should review their eligibility, verify their CRS score and ensure that their Express Entry profile and supporting documents are accurate and up to date.

Apical Immigration Experts Can Help

Apical Immigration Experts provides assistance with:
  • Canada PR eligibility assessment
  • Express Entry profile creation
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • IELTS, CELPIP and French-language guidance
  • CRS score improvement strategies
  • Documentation support
  • End-to-end Canada PR application assistance
  • Email: info@immigrationxperts.com
  • Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555