IRCC Targets Healthcare and Social Services Workers in Latest Express Entry Draw
Healthcare and social services professionals continue to be in high demand as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prioritizes these occupations for permanent residence under Express Entry in 2025. This year alone, 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued to candidates in this category, reflecting Canada’s urgent need for skilled workers in critical frontline and support roles.
Latest Draw Highlights
Category: Healthcare and Social Services
Number of ITAs Issued in 2025: 5,000 so far
Minimum CRS Score in Latest Draw: 475
Program Type: Category-based Express Entry draw
Types of Profiles That Received ITAs
Candidates invited in this draw typically had:
Work experience in eligible healthcare and social services occupations, such as:
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
Licensed practical nurses
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
Social workers
Early childhood educators and assistants
Paramedics
Community service workers
Strong language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or higher common among competitive profiles)
Relevant post-secondary education or licensing in their field, often completed in Canada or recognized through credential assessment
Work experience either in Canada or abroad that meets IRCC’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements for the category
Additional points for factors such as Canadian work experience, provincial nomination, or arranged employment
Why This Category Matters?
By prioritizing healthcare and social services professionals, IRCC aims to:
Fill critical gaps in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community organizations
Support growing demand for social services across Canada’s provinces and territories
Strengthen the delivery of care in both urban and rural areas
If you have work experience in a qualifying occupation and meet the CRS and eligibility criteria, you may have an excellent chance of receiving an ITA in upcoming draws.