IRCC Issues 10,670 ITAs in Fourth Express Entry Draw of the Week
On February 20, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its fourth Express Entry draw of the week, granting 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This brings the total number of ITAs issued during the week to an impressive 10,670 across four separate draws. This recent draw focused on 37 healthcare and social services occupations, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 467.
The series of Express Entry draws this week reflects Canada’s proactive approach in addressing critical labor shortages, especially in the healthcare industry. With four draws taking place in just five days, including the healthcare-targeted draw on February 20, this period from February 16-20 has been one of the busiest periods for Express Entry in recent history.
Details of Express Entry Draw #398
When multiple candidates share the minimum CRS score of 467, IRCC uses a tie-breaking timestamp to determine which candidates will receive an invitation. For this draw, the tie-breaking point was set at December 09, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC. Candidates with a CRS score of 467 who submitted their profile before this timestamp received an ITA, while those who created or updated their profile after this time remain in the pool for future draws.
All ITAs Issued This Week: 10,670
Between February 16-20, 2026, Canada issued a total of 10,670 ITAs across four Express Entry draws. This rapid pace of invitations showcases IRCC’s dedication to meeting immigration targets for 2026 while addressing specific labor market needs.
Eligible Occupations for Healthcare Draw
The healthcare draw on February 20 targeted candidates with work experience in 37 designated healthcare and social services occupations. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 467 and at least 12 months of full-time work experience in one of the eligible occupations within the past three years. The diversity of draws this week included a PNP draw, a Canadian Experience Class draw, a specialized Physicians draw, and the healthcare draw, allowing candidates from various profiles and CRS score ranges to receive invitations.
Occupations Eligible for Healthcare Draw
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- Occupations in Tier 1 (Professional)
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- Occupations in Tier 2 (Technical)
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- Occupations in Tier 3 (Support)
Post-ITA Process
Candidates who received an ITA in this draw have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application through their IRCC online account. Failure to submit within the 60-day deadline will result in the ITA expiring, requiring the candidate to re-enter the Express Entry pool. The application process includes providing documentation of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, police certificates, medical examinations, and proof of funds.
