Express Entry: IRCC Invites 4,000 Healthcare, Social Services Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has invited 4,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence in its latest Express Entry draw.

The June 25 selection round focused on candidates in healthcare and social services occupations. To receive an invitation to apply, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System score of at least 475. They also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 12:14 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time on May 21, 2026.

The draw continues Ottawa’s focus on workers in sectors where Canada faces long-term labour needs, including health care and community-based support services.

Second Healthcare Draw This Year

This was the second Healthcare and Social Services draw held through Express Entry in 2026. The first took place on February 20 and also issued 4,000 invitations. That earlier draw had a CRS cut-off score of 467.

The latest round had a higher cut-off, showing that competition remained strong among candidates in these occupations. Across the two healthcare and social services draws this year, IRCC has now issued 8,000 invitations.

The June 25 round was also the 34th Express Entry draw of 2026.

Recent Draws Show Clear Priorities

IRCC has held several draws in late June. On June 24, the department invited 271 physicians with Canadian work experience, with a CRS cut-off of 223. On June 23, it issued 4,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates, with a cut-off score of 516. On June 22, it invited 955 Provincial Nominee Program candidates, who needed a score of 730.

These draws reflect a pattern seen throughout 2026. Most Express Entry rounds this year have focused on people who are already connected to Canada, especially those with Canadian work experience or a provincial nomination.

So far this year, IRCC has held 12 Provincial Nominee Program draws, 10 Canadian Experience Class draws, six French-language proficiency draws, two physician draws, two healthcare and social services draws, one trades draw, and one draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience.

ITAs Issued Across 2026

IRCC has issued 89,067 invitations to apply through Express Entry so far in 2026.

Canadian Experience Class candidates have received the largest number of invitations, with 41,250 ITAs. French-language proficiency candidates follow with 30,500 invitations.

Healthcare and social services candidates have received 8,000 invitations. Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received 5,405, while trades candidates have received 3,000. Physicians with Canadian work experience have received 662 invitations, and senior managers with Canadian work experience have received 250.

The figures show that IRCC continues to use Express Entry to support Canada’s labour market needs while also prioritizing candidates who may be able to settle quickly because of their work experience, language skills, or provincial support. For applicants, the latest results also underline the importance of keeping profiles current and watching category-based rounds closely.