CRS Score
467
298 vs previous
ITAs Issued
4,000
3609 vs previous
Program
Healthcare
Processing
IRCC times by programHow Draw #398 Compares
The round before this one was draw #397 on February 19, 2026, a Physicians with Canadian Work Experience draw that invited 391 candidates with a cut-off of 169. Against that round, the CRS cut-off rose by 298 points, from 169 to 467, and invitations rose from 391 to 4,000. The last Healthcare draw before this one was #385 on December 11, 2025, 71 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 9 points, from 476 to 467, and invitations rose from 1,000 to 4,000. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 8 Healthcare draws with cut-offs from 462 to 510 and 18,500 invitations in total; 467 sat 5 points above the lowest cut-off and 43 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #398 was held on February 20, 2026, targeting Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 candidates. The minimum CRS score was 467 with 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: December 09, 2025 at 18:22:06 UTC. Candidates with exactly 467 points were invited only if they submitted their profile before this time.
What This Means For You
Category-Based Draw Advantage
Category-based draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. If you work in this field, focus on category-specific draws for better chances.
If Your Score is Higher
You likely would have received an ITA in this draw. Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to receive invitations in future draws.
If Your Score is Lower
Focus on improving your CRS score through better language tests, additional education, Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Improve Language Scores
Retake IELTS/CELPIP to achieve CLB 9+ in all abilities. Each band increase significantly boosts your score.
Provincial Nomination (+600 Points)
Apply for PNP programs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. An Express Entry-linked nomination adds 600 CRS points; 2026 Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut off between 697 and 805.
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada on a work permit to earn up to 80 CRS points for Canadian work experience.
Learn French (Up to 50 Points)
French proficiency (CLB 7+) adds bonus points and qualifies you for French-language draws with lower cut-offs.
Get Expert Help
Our RCIC consultants can calculate your exact CRS score, identify the best strategies to improve it, and help you navigate the Express Entry process.
Calculate CRS ScoreBook ConsultationRCIC License: R515110
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.