Express Entry: IRCC Invites 2,500 Healthcare Experts in New Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence in its latest Express Entry draw. This draw focused on professionals in healthcare and social services, reflecting Canada’s continued need for skilled workers in these fields.

To qualify, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 472. They also had to create their Express Entry profile before May 12, 2025, at 11:17 p.m. UTC.

This draw marks the fifth healthcare and social services draw this year. It equals the August 19 draw in size, when IRCC also invited 2,500 candidates. Only the July 22 draw was larger, with 4,000 invitations for healthcare professionals.

Growing Opportunities in 2025

So far, in 2025, IRCC has sent out over 73,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. Healthcare professionals have received almost 10,000 of those invitations, making this one of the most active categories.

IRCC’s decision to continue large healthcare draws shows Canada’s ongoing effort to strengthen its healthcare system and fill shortages across the country. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities continue to look for doctors, nurses, therapists, and other skilled professionals.

Other Recent Express Entry Draws

This healthcare draw is the fourth Express Entry draw in October. Earlier this month, IRCC held three other draws:

• October 14: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – 345 invitations, CRS 778
  
• October 6: French-language proficiency – 4,500 invitations, CRS 432
  
• October 1: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – 1,000 invitations, CRS 534
  

The latest draw adds to a busy year for Canada’s immigration system. Since January, IRCC has hosted several category-based draws, each targeting specific skills and experience levels.

Express Entry Trends This Year

In 2025, IRCC held:

• 19 Provincial Nominee Program draws
  
• 10 Canadian Experience Class draws
  
• 6 French-language proficiency draws
  
• 5 Healthcare and social services draws
  
• 2 Education draws
  
• 1 Trade draw
  

Among these, the French-language category and the Canadian Experience Class saw the highest number of invitations.

Total invitations by category so far:

• French: 30,000
  
• Canadian Experience Class: 21,850
  
• Healthcare and social services: 9,792
  
• Provincial Nominee Program: 6,947
  
• Education: 3,500
  
• Trade: 1,250
  

Canada’s Focus on Skilled Immigration

Canada continues to rely on skilled immigration to meet its labour needs. Healthcare and social services remain a top priority, with consistent draws and strong demand for workers.

This approach aims to support Canada’s growing population and ensure essential services run smoothly across all provinces. As healthcare challenges rise, the country continues to open doors for qualified international professionals ready to contribute.