Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest category-based Express Entry draw, prioritizing healthcare professionals. This marks the first healthcare-targeted draw since July, signaling a renewed push to address Canada’s ongoing labour shortages in the health sector.
To qualify for this round, candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463. The draw, held on November 20, is part of a busy week for Canada’s Express Entry system, with two earlier draws taking place: one for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on November 19 and another for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on November 18.
This week’s activity marks the second consecutive week of Express Entry draws, suggesting the government is accelerating its efforts to meet immigration objectives before year-end. Last week, a total of 1,933 invitations were distributed across CEC, PNP, and French-speaking candidates.
Canada is preparing for ambitious immigration targets in 2025, as outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan released by IRCC. The federal government aims to admit 124,680 individuals through the Express Entry system, with a significant portion—over 82,000 spots—dedicated to a newly emphasized “In-Canada Focus” category. This stream will prioritize candidates already residing in Canada, such as those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), while also considering those in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Express Entry-aligned PNP streams.
The remaining 41,700 Express Entry admissions for next year will be allocated to the “Federal Economic Priorities” category. This stream targets professionals with experience in high-demand occupations aligned with national labour market needs. It underscores Canada’s ongoing strategy to align immigration with economic goals, especially amid labour shortages across key sectors.
With targeted draws focusing on healthcare and other mission-critical categories, Canada’s immigration system appears increasingly agile—designed to not only meet population goals but also ensure that newcomers support economic development through their skills and experience.