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Express Entry: IRCC Conducts First Healthcare-Focused Draw of 2025
Express Entry: IRCC Conducts First Healthcare-Focused Draw of 2025
The draw, held in early 2025, resulted in the issuance of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates who met specific eligibility criteria under the healthcare occupations stream a category introduced in 2023 as part of IRCC’s targeted selection approach.
Eligibility Criteria for the Draw
To be considered in this invitation round, candidates needed to fulfill two key requirements:
A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510
An active Express Entry profile created before 4:31 a.m. UTC on July 21, 2024
Only candidates with qualifying work experience in designated healthcare and social service occupations were eligible for this draw, aligning with Canada's ongoing strategy to address shortages in sectors critical to public well-being.
Targeted Healthcare & Social Services Roles
While the specific occupations included in this draw were not explicitly listed in the public release, IRCC's healthcare-targeted draws have historically prioritized roles such as:
Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Licensed Practical Nurses
Physicians and General Practitioners
Allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, medical lab technologists)
Social workers and community service workers
Nurse aides and patient service associates
These roles have been deemed essential in provinces across Canada, where many healthcare institutions continue to face acute staffing shortages.
What This Means for Applicants
This draw reaffirms the Canadian government’s commitment to category-based Express Entry invitations, introduced in 2023 to better align immigration with economic and labour market needs. Healthcare professionals remain one of the top priorities, given Canada's aging population and increasing demand for medical services.
Candidates who received an ITA in this draw now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Those who were not selected are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor upcoming draws, especially if they work in sectors identified as high priority by IRCC.
Looking Ahead
As Canada moves forward with its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government continues to prioritize immigration streams that directly support key sectors, including healthcare, technology, trades, and education. More healthcare-specific Express Entry draws are expected throughout the year as part of this strategy.
