Canada returns all applications

We warned that Canada could start shutting down immigration programs. And it happened.
The province of Ontario is returning all applications under one of its streams. But at the same time, there is also great news. In Express Entry, medical professionals were invited with the lowest passing score this year.

So, an announcement appeared on the official Ontario website that shocked many people.

The province is suspending the acceptance of applications under the skilled trades stream through Express Entry. And what is especially painful is that all current applications under this stream will be returned to applicants.

Let us explain which stream we are talking about. This is a direction of Ontario’s provincial nominee program.This program worked specifically for skilled trades workers — electricians, welders, cooks, construction workers, and other similar occupations. People created profiles in Express Entry, received invitations from Ontario, submitted applications, and paid government fees.

And today, all these applicants are being told:
“Your applications are being returned. The fees will be refunded, but months or even years of preparation, time spent, missed opportunities — all of that simply burns away.”

The official reason sounds harsh. Systemic fraud and misrepresentation in applications. The province conducted an audit and found that the stream had become too vulnerable to abuse. To such an extent that authorities can no longer determine who genuinely meets the requirements and who submitted fake documents.

Huge application backlogs, new laws giving the government the right to return applications, and negative public opinion. And today, we see a live example. Yes, for now it is one stream in one province, but it clearly shows that authorities are ready to act decisively. When something stops working as intended, officials simply return all applications at once.

An important note for those whose applications are being returned. The province explicitly says:
“If you meet the requirements of other Ontario streams, submit a new Expression of Interest. This is a real chance to still obtain permanent residence.”

Ontario has several other pathways. For example, streams for workers with a job offer, streams for graduates, and priority occupation streams for francophones. Carefully review the requirements. With your education and experience, you may qualify for one of them.

Also consider programs in other provinces and work on improving your Express Entry profile. Increase your score by improving your English and gaining Canadian work experience. We strongly recommend starting to learn French. This can be done online. 

Now let’s switch to the good news. Because today, at the same time Ontario closed its stream, a federal Express Entry draw took place for medical and social service workers. And the results of this draw are truly impressive.

The cut-off score was 462.
This is the lowest score for medical professionals in 2026.
A total of 3,500 people were invited.

Let us explain the context. In February  there was a similar draw for medical professionals. Back then, the cut-off score was 472, ten points higher, and only 2,500 invitations were issued — 1,000 fewer than today.

So the trend is obvious. Canada is not just holding medical draws — it is actively expanding them. More invitations. Lower scores.

Despite the fact that Canada has reduced its overall immigration plan for the coming years, medical professionals remain one of the few categories where the government continues to expand invitations.

If you want to know how many points you score in Express Entry or under various Ontario immigration streams, our website Immigrant Today has special free points calculators.

There is one critically important point that all medical professionals must know. You can immigrate to Canada as a medical professional, but you usually cannot start working in your profession immediately. This is extremely important to understand.

If you obtain permanent residence as a doctor, you will have to go through the licensing process in Canada, which can take years and require additional education, exams, and residency.

Many doctors, after arriving in Canada, initially work in related fields or even completely different sectors while going through licensing. This must be considered in your financial planning.

So who exactly can participate in these draws? The list of healthcare and social service occupations for Express Entry is quite broad. Doctors of all specialties, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, medical laboratory technicians, and many others. 

If your profession is on this list, you currently have real chances. A cut-off score of 462 is achievable for many specialists with strong education and language skills.

Let’s summarize. On the one hand, Ontario is closing a stream for skilled trades. On the other hand, the federal government is actively inviting medical professionals with record-low scores. Do you see the pattern?

Canada is becoming more selective. Not “everyone come,” but “come if we critically need you.” And medical professionals are clearly a top priority.

Why? The shortage of healthcare workers in Canada is enormous. Millions of Canadians cannot find a family doctor. Hospitals are operating under extreme pressure. This is a serious national problem that the government is trying to solve through immigration.