Canada Welcomes 4,000 Healthcare Workers in Major Express Entry Draw: Lowest CRS of the Year for Category
In a strong move to address national healthcare workforce shortages, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted one of its largest category-based Express Entry draws of the year on July 22, 2025, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible healthcare and social services professionals.
This draw is part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to streamline immigration for skilled workers in critical sectors, with a continued focus on targeted occupation categories.
Key Details of the July 22 Draw
- Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- Number of ITAs Issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 475
- Profile Submission Deadline: Before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025
This is the third healthcare-focused Express Entry draw in 2025 and the largest to date in this category, signaling an intensified effort by the Canadian government to recruit foreign-trained nurses, doctors, and other essential care professionals amid growing demand.
Express Entry: A Breakdown of 2025 Trends
So far in 2025, Canada has issued 49,403 Express Entry ITAs, distributed as follows:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
This latest draw is also notable for its relatively low CRS cut-off score of 475, compared to higher thresholds in previous draws. By comparison, CEC draws earlier in the year had cut-offs of over 520.
Who Qualifies for Healthcare Category-Based Draws?
To be eligible for category-based Express Entry draws in healthcare, candidates must:
- Have at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience in an eligible occupation (in Canada or abroad)
- Meet general Express Entry eligibility, including language proficiency, education, and admissibility
- Submit an Express Entry profile before the cut-off date and time
Eligible occupations include registered nurses, physicians, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, social workers, and allied health professionals, among others.
What Does This Mean for Applicants with Lower CRS Scores?
This draw demonstrates the strength of category-based selection for candidates with lower CRS scores (i.e., below 500), who may otherwise not qualify through general draws.
Even those with scores in the 470s or lower now have a viable route to permanent residency—provided they have the right work experience and meet the occupation requirements.
Employers looking to fill labor gaps in hospitals, long-term care homes, and clinics are encouraged to support foreign-trained candidates through job offers, which further improve candidates’ profiles.
Express Entry Draw Recap – 2025 (Select Draws)
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 22 | Healthcare & Social Services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | PNP | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | CEC | 3,000 | 518 |
| June 4 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 504 |
| May 2 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 510 |
With four major draws this July alone, IRCC appears to be prioritizing a bi-weekly rhythm of alternating CEC and PNP draws, with category-based selections in between.
Looking Ahead
If you are a healthcare or social services professional dreaming of Canadian permanent residency, this is your moment. Now is the time to create or update your Express Entry profile, ensure your documents are valid, and confirm that your occupation is on Canada’s designated healthcare list.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
