Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services workers. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 475, and eligible candidates needed to have created an Express Entry profile before 12:14 p.m. UTC on May 21, 2026.
This draw is the 34th Express Entry selection of 2026 and marks IRCC’s second healthcare and social services round of the year.
Year to date, IRCC has issued 89,067 ITAs across the Express Entry streams, including 41,250 for the Canadian Experience Class, 30,500 for French-language proficiency, 5,405 through Provincial Nominee Programs, 8,000 for healthcare and social services, 3,000 in the trades category, 662 for physicians with Canadian work experience, and 250 for senior managers with Canadian work experience.
IRCC’s pattern in 2026 has leaned toward candidates who are already in Canada, particularly those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. This approach supports workforce needs in sectors facing labor shortages, including healthcare and social services, while also advancing provincial prioritizations.
For prospective applicants, a CRS around 475 remains competitive within the healthcare and social services pathway, especially for profiles that demonstrate Canadian work credentials or strong provincial nomination potential. Maple News will continue to monitor IRCC policy shifts and Express Entry rounds to help guide applicants and employers navigating Canada’s immigration landscape.