Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another major Express Entry draw targeting healthcare professionals. In the latest round, 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued under the Healthcare and social services category, marking another step in Canada’s effort to fill its growing medical labor gaps.
To qualify, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 472 and must have created their Express Entry profiles before 11:17 p.m. UTC on May 12, 2025.
Canada’s Focus on Healthcare Professionals
Canada continues to experience an urgent demand for healthcare professionals across hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers. IRCC’s targeted draws aim to attract skilled workers such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, medical technologists, and healthcare administrators.
This latest draw marks the fifth healthcare and social services category-based draw of 2025. It is also tied as the second-largest draw for healthcare professionals this year, matching the August 19 round which also issued 2,500 ITAs. The July 22 draw remains the largest, issuing 4,000 invitations.
The Canadian government estimates that over 60,000 healthcare jobs remain unfilled nationwide. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta continue to report shortages in specialized nursing, home care, and rural medical services.
To address these gaps, IRCC has intensified draws targeting healthcare professionals, prioritizing applicants with relevant degrees, work experience, and active medical licenses in their home countries.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025
So far, IRCC has issued 73,183 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025. The healthcare category remains one of the top three pathways by volume, after the French-language and Canadian Experience Class categories.
Express Entry Draws by Type in 2025
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 19 draws
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 10 draws
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French-language proficiency: 6 draws
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Healthcare and social services: 5 draws
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Education: 2 draws
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Trade: 1 draw
ITAs issued by stream type:
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French-language category: 30,000
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Canadian Experience Class: 21,850
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Healthcare and social services: 9,792
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Provincial Nominee Program: 6,947
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Education: 3,500
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Trade: 1,250
The strong representation of healthcare professionals among invitees underlines Canada’s policy direction. Since June, three out of five healthcare-focused draws have each invited over 2,000 candidates, signaling a long-term commitment to healthcare workforce expansion.
CRS Trends and Competitive Scores
The cutoff CRS score of 472 is slightly lower than the May healthcare draw, which required a score of 510. This drop reflects IRCC’s intent to reach a broader range of qualified healthcare professionals, especially those with work experience in underrepresented fields.
Long-term immigration analysts note that IRCC may continue lowering CRS thresholds for critical occupations as Canada’s healthcare system struggles with post-pandemic strain.
Candidates with Canadian work experience or international training recognized by provincial regulators often stand the best chance in future rounds.
Categories Targeting Healthcare Professionals
The Express Entry system operates through three main programs:
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Under the category-based selection system introduced in 2023, IRCC began conducting focused draws for priority occupations, including healthcare, technology, trades, and education.
The healthcare category encompasses:
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Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses
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Licensed practical nurses
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Physicians and surgeons
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Dentists
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Pharmacists
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Occupational and physical therapists
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Laboratory technologists
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Social workers and mental health counselors
These professionals can now apply directly through Express Entry, rather than relying solely on provincial nomination programs.
Why Canada Prioritizes Healthcare Immigration
Canada’s population is aging, with over one in five residents aged 65 or older. The demand for care has outpaced domestic training capacity, leaving provinces reliant on internationally educated healthcare professionals.
Hospitals in Ontario and Quebec report rising overtime rates among nurses and longer patient wait times. Meanwhile, rural communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan continue to face chronic shortages of family doctors.
By inviting thousands of foreign healthcare professionals, IRCC aims to stabilize these sectors while ensuring continuity of care for aging Canadians.
Provincial Alignment with Federal Goals
Canada’s provinces have aligned their nomination programs with federal efforts. For instance:
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Ontario has expanded its Health Human Resources Strategy, making it easier for foreign-trained doctors and nurses to practice.
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British Columbia introduced fast-track licensing for international nurses through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives.
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Alberta continues to invite healthcare professionals through its Accelerated Tech Pathway and Healthcare Pathway.
This coordination ensures that newcomers entering through Express Entry can transition into the workforce faster. Some provinces now offer job-matching support for healthcare immigrants even before they arrive in Canada.
Express Entry’s Growing Efficiency
IRCC has improved processing efficiency since late 2024. Most healthcare category Express Entry applications are now processed within six months. The department also continues to expand digital tools for application tracking and status updates.
The focus on transparency and speed aims to encourage more international healthcare professionals to choose Canada over other destinations such as Australia or the United Kingdom.
Support for New Healthcare Immigrants
Several provinces have also invested in bridging programs to help newcomers adapt to Canada’s medical system. These include:
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Language and communication training specific to clinical settings.
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Licensing guidance and mentorship programs.
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Subsidized credential recognition for nurses and allied health workers.
Organizations like the Canadian Nurses Association and Medical Council of Canada have partnered with IRCC to streamline credential verification.
Such support mechanisms increase the likelihood of long-term retention, ensuring that healthcare professionals who immigrate stay in their chosen provinces.
Impact on Canada’s Workforce
As of October 2025, IRCC’s healthcare category draws have issued close to 10,000 ITAs; the third-highest among all categories. These invitations translate into thousands of new permanent residents who will soon enter Canada’s healthcare system.
By prioritizing professionals in critical occupations, Canada not only addresses labor shortages but also strengthens its healthcare delivery capacity for decades to come.
Officials expect that by early 2026, the number of healthcare professionals immigrating through Express Entry will surpass 15,000.
What Healthcare Candidates Should Expect
Applicants invited in the latest draw will now have 60 days to submit their permanent residence applications. They must include proof of work experience, educational credentials, and language test results.
Successful candidates will receive permanent residency, enabling them to live and work anywhere in Canada. Many choose provinces offering provincial healthcare licensing support and employer sponsorship opportunities.
Experts advise candidates to maintain updated profiles in Express Entry and track IRCC announcements closely, as future healthcare draws may include subcategories for specific specializations like nursing or mental health services.
Canada’s Long-Term Vision for Healthcare Immigration
The 2025 immigration levels plan targets 485,000 new permanent residents, with a significant portion expected from healthcare and STEM fields. IRCC’s long-term vision aligns with building a sustainable, diverse healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of an aging population.
By attracting top global talent, Canada reinforces its position as one of the most open and opportunity-driven destinations for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Conclusion
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw reaffirms one clear message that healthcare professionals remain at the heart of the country’s immigration strategy. With thousands of invitations already issued and more draws expected in the coming months, now is the right time for qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health workers to begin their immigration process.
If you are a healthcare professional seeking to live and work in Canada, Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm can guide you every step of the way. Our licensed consultants specialize in Express Entry, credential evaluation, and professional licensing support for medical applicants.
Don’t miss your chance to join Canada’s growing healthcare workforce. Contact Maple Crest Immigration today to assess your eligibility and start your application with confidence.
