Canada Invites Healthcare Workers In First Category-based Express Entry Draw Of December
Canada Invites Healthcare Workers in First Category-Based Express Entry Draw of December
Canada has conducted its first category-based Express Entry draw of December, specifically targeting healthcare and social services professionals. The draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on addressing critical labour shortages in its healthcare system through targeted immigration pathways.
Key Highlights of the Draw
Draw type: Category-based Express Entry (Healthcare & Social Services)
Number of Invitations Issued: 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
Minimum CRS Score: 476
Selection focus: Candidates with recent work experience in eligible healthcare occupations
This draw is part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) broader strategy to prioritize skilled workers in high-demand sectors, particularly healthcare, where shortages remain significant across several provinces.
What Is Category-Based Express Entry?
Category-based Express Entry draws allow IRCC to invite candidates who meet specific economic and labour market needs, even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are lower than those required in general or all-program draws.
For healthcare draws, candidates must:
Be eligible under one of the Express Entry programs (FSW, CEC, or FST)
Have at least six months of recent work experience in an eligible healthcare or social services occupation
Meet language, education, and admissibility requirements
Why This Draw Matters for Healthcare Professionals
This targeted invitation round demonstrates Canada’s long-term commitment to strengthening its healthcare workforce. Professionals such as nurses, medical technologists, therapists, and other healthcare workers may benefit from lower CRS cut-offs compared to general Express Entry draws.
Candidates working in healthcare are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated, improve language scores where possible, and ensure their work experience aligns with the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Looking Ahead
IRCC is expected to continue issuing category-based draws throughout the year, with healthcare remaining a priority sector. Candidates who were not invited in this round may still have strong chances in upcoming draws, depending on CRS trends and occupation-specific targets.
If you are a healthcare professional planning to immigrate to Canada, understanding category-based Express Entry draws can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
For personalized guidance and eligibility assessment, Vagmi Journey can help you navigate your Canadian immigration journey with clarity and confidence.
Start your journey with Vagmi Journey.


























































































































































































