Maple News reports that on February 14, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a category-based Express Entry draw specifically targeting healthcare professionals. A total of 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 422—the lowest threshold ever recorded for healthcare-focused draws since category-based selection was introduced in June 2023.
This draw not only marked a new benchmark for the minimum CRS in a healthcare category but also represented the lowest score required in any Express Entry draw—standard or category-based—since December 21, 2023. It reflects IRCC’s strong focus on attracting skilled healthcare workers as part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to support critical sectors facing labor shortages.
This was the second-largest healthcare-focused draw to date, trailing only a previous draw held on October 26, 2023, where 3,600 ITAs were issued. These draws are part of a broader effort to make Canada more accessible to professionals in areas of high demand, including healthcare, STEM, agri-food, and trades.
To be eligible for a healthcare category-based draw, candidates must meet specific requirements. They need to have a minimum of six months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the last three years in one of the 35 IRCC-designated healthcare occupations. This experience can be acquired either in Canada or abroad. Additionally, applicants must satisfy all other criteria outlined for the specific draw.
Here’s a look at one fictional candidate profile used to illustrate how a competitive Express Entry profile might look: Michael, a dentist from the United States (NOC 31110), submitted his profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and received an ITA based on his professional credentials, work experience, and meeting the category-specific selection requirements.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) applicants are processed under Canada’s Express Entry system, along with those applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs allow skilled professionals worldwide to apply for permanent residency in Canada through a streamlined process.
Candidates who didn’t receive an ITA in the latest draw are encouraged to review their CRS profile and explore ways to improve their score. Language proficiency, additional education, Canadian work experience, or securing a provincial nomination are some common strategies that can significantly boost CRS points.
According to Maple News, IRCC’s targeted draws for healthcare professionals indicate a strong, continued preference for foreign-trained medical workers to help meet Canada’s growing healthcare demands. With these clear pathways in place, candidates in the healthcare sector have a uniquely favorable opportunity to secure permanent residency in the country.