Canada’s immigration authorities have issued 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services professionals, reports Maple News. The draw, conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), targeted candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services category-based selection stream—part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled professionals to support its healthcare system.
To qualify for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475. They also needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025.
This is the second healthcare-specific draw of 2025, highlighting a growing focus on addressing labor shortages in Canada’s healthcare and social assistance sectors. The first healthcare draw of the year, held on May 2, invited 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 510.
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued over 49,400 ITAs across various Express Entry categories. The distribution reflects Canada’s evolving immigration strategy, with a strong emphasis on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based draws including French language proficiency, education, and high-demand occupations.
A breakdown of draws this year shows 13 rounds for PNP candidates, 7 for CEC applicants, 3 focused on French-speaking individuals, 2 in healthcare and social services, and 1 targeting education professionals. Notably, recent trends indicate a biweekly cadence alternating between PNP and CEC draws, a pattern IRCC has maintained since mid-June.
Maple News notes that the increasing number of draws targeting specific sectors—such as healthcare—align with Canada’s broader economic and demographic goals. With the nation’s population aging and demand for healthcare services on the rise, attracting qualified international professionals remains a policy priority.
The Express Entry system continues to be Canada’s flagship pathway for economic immigration, offering a transparent and efficient route to permanent residency for skilled workers aiming to contribute to Canada’s labor market and society.