Today, Canada’s immigration department held its first Healthcare Express Entry draw of 2025, inviting 500 individuals to apply for permanent residency. This draw specifically targets those with at least 6 months of experience in one of 37 eligible occupations within the healthcare and social services sector.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff for this round increased to 510, up from 463 in the previous healthcare draw. With Canada facing significant labor shortages and an aging population, this targeted draw underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through immigration.
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Full Details of Today’s Express Entry Draw
- Category: Healthcare and social services occupations
- Date and Time: May 2, 2025
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 510
- Number of Invitations Issued: 500
- Rank Needed: 500 or above
- Tie-breaking Rule: July 21, 2024, at 04:31:17 UTC
- If multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
List of Eligible Occupations for Healthcare and Social Services
Below is the full list of eligible occupations, sorted alphabetically by occupation title and NOC (National Occupational Classification) code:
- Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians (NOC 32104)
- Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 31112)
- Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists (NOC 32123)
- Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
- Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (NOC 32111)
- Dentists (NOC 31110)
- Dieticians and Nutritionists (NOC 31121)
- General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
- Massage Therapists (NOC 32201)
- Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations (NOC 33101)
- Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
- Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 32121)
- Medical Sonographers (NOC 32122)
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
- Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
- Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (NOC 31300)
- Occupational Therapists (NOC 31203)
- Optometrists (NOC 31111)
- Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (NOC 32129)
- Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating (NOC 31209)
- Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (NOC 32109)
- Paramedical Occupations (NOC 32102)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
- Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)
- Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NOC 31303)
- Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
- Psychologists (NOC 31200)
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists (NOC 32103)
- Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)
- Social Workers (NOC 41300)
- Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)
- Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)
- Therapists in Counselling and Related Specialized Therapies (NOC 41301)
- Veterinarians (NOC 31103)
What’s Next for Express Entry in 2025?
As Canada continues to tackle labor shortages, particularly in the healthcare sector, future Express Entry draws are likely to focus on healthcare workers, candidates with Canadian Experience Class (CEC) status, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants. Expect ongoing emphasis on domestic candidates—those already residing in Canada.
Francophone draws will remain a priority to support French-speaking communities, and new categories, including education and trade-focused streams, could emerge to attract skilled workers from these sectors.
Despite some delays in draws since March 21, 2025, possibly related to election-related concerns or system updates, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) remains committed to admitting 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025. As a result, more opportunities for immigration should arise in the coming months.
Candidates should stay proactive, keep an eye on IRCC updates, and refine their profiles. With the Express Entry pool now containing over 246,000 candidates, competition remains fierce. The CRS cutoffs are high—510+ for healthcare applicants and 700+ for PNPs, so strategic planning will be essential for success.
Professionals with experience in rural or Francophone communities may find faster pathways through PNPs, while others may face longer waits. Delays, such as the recent pause in draws, can cause frustration, particularly for those with expiring work permits, but the demand for healthcare professionals in Canada remains strong.
Why Healthcare Professionals Are in High Demand
Canada’s aging population, where over 20% of citizens are 65 or older—has created a critical need for skilled healthcare professionals. The healthcare sector will continue to be a focal point for immigration in 2025, making this first healthcare-focused Express Entry draw a significant opportunity for qualified professionals worldwide.
With 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued at a CRS score of 510, today’s draw highlights Canada’s urgent need for healthcare workers. If you’re an experienced healthcare professional, now is the time to act.
Next Steps:
- Calculate your CRS score to assess your eligibility.
- Improve your profile by gaining additional experience, language skills, or education.
- Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to guide you through the process.
Canada’s doors are open, but they may not stay open forever. Are you ready to take the next step?
