IRCC Holds Targeted Express Entry Draw for Healthcare and Social Services Professionals
Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), conducted its latest Express Entry draw on June 4, targeting candidates in healthcare and social services occupations.
A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates. To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 504 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:47 a.m. (UTC) on March 31, 2025.
This marks the second draw of June and the second-ever draw dedicated specifically to healthcare and social services professionals, reflecting Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening critical public sectors through immigration.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025 (So Far)
As of June 4, IRCC has issued 35,217 ITAs through various Express Entry draws. The majority of draws this year have focused on candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), along with several category-specific selections including French-language proficiency, healthcare, and education.
Summary of Notable 2025 Express Entry Draws:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 4 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| March 21 | French Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
The growing number of occupation-specific and French-language draws demonstrates a shift in Canada’s immigration strategy toward targeted immigration, supporting labour shortages in essential sectors and francophone communities.
Express Entry Timeline and Application Validity
An Express Entry profile remains valid for up to 12 months. If a candidate does not receive an ITA during that time, they can resubmit a new profile—provided they still meet eligibility criteria. However, the profile will then receive a new timestamp, which may affect eligibility under IRCC’s tie-breaking rule used for draw selections.
Once an ITA is received, applicants have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application. The Canadian government aims to process these applications within six months from the date of submission.
Canada’s Strategic Focus on Healthcare and Social Services
The second draw targeting healthcare and social services occupations highlights Canada’s urgent need for professionals in critical care, mental health, community support, and related fields. These occupations are being prioritized not only through Express Entry but also under various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
In the coming months, it is expected that IRCC will continue issuing targeted invitations in sectors that align with national labour demands and economic priorities.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
