Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its largest healthcare-focused Express Entry draw of 2025, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the healthcare and social services occupations category on July 22, 2025.
Latest Draw Details
The July 22 draw targeted healthcare workers and social services professionals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475, requiring candidates to have created their Express Entry profiles before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025. This represents a significant increase from previous healthcare draws this year, which issued 500 ITAs each in May and June.
This draw particularly emphasizes the importance of healthcare workers in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system.
2025 Express Entry Draw Summary
The following table shows all Express Entry draws conducted in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
2025 Express Entry Draw Pattern Analysis
IRCC has issued 49,403 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025 as of July 22, with draws following a strategic pattern since June. The distribution of draws by category shows:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 |
| French language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
Recent Draw Schedule and Trends
Since June 10, IRCC has maintained a consistent pattern of conducting PNP and CEC draws approximately every two weeks. This healthcare draw represents the fourth Express Entry invitation round in July, following:
- July 21: PNP draw (202 ITAs, CRS 788)
- July 8: CEC draw (3,000 ITAs, CRS 518)
- July 7: PNP draw (356 ITAs, CRS 750)
Category-Based Selection for Healthcare Workers
For 2025, IRCC has prioritized category-based draws to meet acute needs in health, trades, and education sectors. The healthcare and social services category provides crucial opportunities for candidates with lower CRS scores who might not qualify in general draws.
Healthcare workers are encouraged to apply quickly, as the opportunities presented by IRCC can lead to fulfilling careers.
By prioritizing healthcare workers, Canada aims to create a robust healthcare system that benefits all citizens.
The category for healthcare workers is essential in ensuring that Canada maintains its healthcare standards and provides quality services to its population.
Category-Based Selection Advantage
Category-based rounds invite candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for specific categories established by the Minister to meet identified economic goals. For healthcare professionals with CRS scores under 500, category-based selection offers a vital alternative to general draws, which often require significantly higher scores.
Key Benefits:
- Lower CRS score requirements compared to general draws
- Targeted selection for in-demand professions
- Faster processing for critical labor market needs
- Direct pathway for internationally trained professionals
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for healthcare category-based draws, candidates must demonstrate:
- Work Experience: At least six months of continuous, full-time work experience in an eligible healthcare or social services occupation
- Express Entry Profile: Valid profile in the Express Entry pool meeting basic federal skilled worker, Canadian experience class, or federal skilled trades requirements
- Language Proficiency: Meeting minimum language requirements in English and/or French
- Education: Credentials assessment for foreign-trained professionals may be required
The work experience can be gained either inside or outside Canada, making this category accessible to both domestic and international healthcare professionals.
Expanded Healthcare Category
On February 27, 2025, IRCC made major changes to Express Entry categories, expanding the Healthcare and Social Services category to include pharmacists, social workers, and dental hygienists. This expansion significantly broadened the pool of eligible professionals beyond traditional healthcare workers like doctors and nurses.
With the expansion of the healthcare category, many new opportunities arise for healthcare workers looking to establish their careers in Canada.
Healthcare category draws typically include professionals such as:
- Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Medical technologists and technicians
- Personal support workers and home care providers
- Social workers and community service workers
- Mental health professionals and counselors
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists
Strategic Advantages of Category-Based Selection
For candidates with CRS scores under 500, category-based selection offers a vital pathway to permanent residence. The healthcare draw’s CRS requirement of 475 was significantly lower than recent PNP draws, which have required scores between 726-802.
This approach aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy to address specific labor market needs while maintaining manageable immigration levels. Healthcare professionals continue to be in high demand across Canadian provinces, making this category particularly valuable for qualified international workers.
The demand for healthcare workers is expected to grow as Canada seeks to enhance its healthcare delivery and meet the needs of its aging population.
The next Express Entry draws are expected to continue the established pattern, with PNP and CEC draws likely occurring in early August, followed by potential additional category-based selections based on economic priorities.
Looking Ahead
IRCC typically conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks, suggesting healthcare professionals can expect continued opportunities throughout 2025. The significant increase from 500 to 4,000 invitations in the latest healthcare draw indicates IRCC’s heightened focus on addressing Canada’s healthcare workforce shortages.
Healthcare workers interested in Canadian immigration should maintain updated Express Entry profiles and consider improving their CRS scores through additional language training, Canadian work experience, or further education to maximize their chances in future draws focused on healthcare workers.
Sources:
- CIC News – Healthcare Professionals Express Entry Draw July 2025
- Government of Canada – Express Entry Category-Based Selection
- Government of Canada – 2025 Express Entry Announcements
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