What was the CRS score cutoff for Express Entry Draw #397?

The minimum CRS cut-off score for Express Entry Draw #397 was 169 points.

How many invitations were issued in Express Entry Round #397?

IRCC issued 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.

Which category was targeted in Draw #397?

Draw #397 targeted candidates under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 program category.

Express Entry Draw #397: Physicians Cutoff 169 (February 19, 2026)

MINIMUM CRS CUT-OFF

169

INVITATIONS ISSUED (ITAs)

391

197

2026 Physicians Avg

169

Lowest in 2026

223

Highest in 2026

891

2026 Physicians ITAs

📊 Cut-off Dynamics & Intake Analysis

This round represents a targeted invitation milestone for the Physicians category under Canada's Immigration Levels Plan. With a cut-off established at 169 CRS, IRCC issued 391 invitations to eligible candidates nationwide.

By issuing invitations with a cutoff of 169, this round successfully bypassed the high-density 500+ score band. Targeted category selection under ministerial instructions allows Canada to address specific labor shortages without requiring candidates to achieve unreachable general human capital scores.

🎯 Anatomy of a 169 CRS Profile (Targeted Physicians Candidate)

A cutoff of 169 allows qualified candidates to secure permanent residence invitations without needing to compete with hyper-competitive general cutoffs above 515.

Category Qualification: Meets specific IRCC category criteria for Physicians (e.g. NCLC 7 French or 6 months targeted work).
Core Human Capital: Age, Bachelor's or diploma credential, and relevant professional experience.
Language Requirement: Standard category threshold (e.g. CLB 7 for skilled trades/French ability).

⏱️ Received an ITA? The 60-Calendar-Day Action Plan

From the moment your Invitation to Apply (ITA) appears in your IRCC account, you have strictly 60 calendar days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). Late or incomplete packages are rejected without refund.

1. Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Order certificates immediately for every country where you lived 6+ consecutive months since age 18.

2. Work Experience Reference Letters: Letters must include official letterhead, job title, exact duties matching the NOC code lead statement, dates, weekly hours (30+ hrs/wk), and remuneration.

3. Upfront Medical Examination (IME): Schedule with an official IRCC panel physician or provide your existing eMedical tracking information.

Settlement Funds: Ensure your bank balances meet the mandatory IRCC low-income cut-off (LICO) for your family size (unless exempt).

Will Your CRS Score Qualify in the Next Round?

Calculate your exact candidate pool rank, see how many applicants are ahead of you, and track real-time cutoff predictions.

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