Canadian landscape - Express Entry draw analysis by Go Far Global
September 3, 2026

Express Entry Draw #440

CRS 198 - Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

CRS Score

198

323 vs previous

ITAs Issued

229

1771 vs previous

Program

Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

How Draw #440 Compares

The round before this one was draw #439 on September 1, 2026, a Canadian Experience Class draw that invited 2,000 candidates with a cut-off of 521. Against that round, the CRS cut-off fell by 323 points, from 521 to 198, and invitations fell from 2,000 to 229. The last Physicians with Canadian Work Experience draw before this one was #421 on June 24, 2026, 71 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 25 points, from 223 to 198, and invitations fell from 271 to 229. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 3 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience draws with cut-offs from 169 to 223 and 891 invitations in total; 198 sat 29 points above the lowest cut-off and 25 points below the highest.

Draw Analysis

What This Draw Means

Express Entry Draw #440 was held on September 3, 2026, targeting Physicians with Canadian Work Experience candidates. The minimum CRS score was 198 with 229 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued. Every candidate above 198 was invited; candidates with exactly 198 were invited only if they submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time.

Tie-Breaking Rule

Tie-break date and time: August 06, 2026 at 19:40:38 UTC. Candidates with exactly 198 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 Consultation

RCIC License: R515110

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the CRS cut-off for this draw?
Express Entry Draw #440 had a CRS cut-off score of 198. IRCC issued 229 invitations to apply for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience.
How can I improve my CRS score?
You can improve your CRS score by: improving language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF), gaining Canadian work experience, obtaining additional education credentials, learning French, or securing a provincial nomination (+600 points).
What happens after receiving an ITA?
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with all supporting documents including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.

Ready to Apply for Express Entry?

Our RCIC consultants will help you understand your CRS score, improve your profile, and prepare a strong Express Entry application.

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.