Express Entry Draw Update: 4,000 ITAs for Healthcare and Social Services Workers in July

On July 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 ITAs in its latest Express Entry draw.

The draw was selected skilled professionals with experience in healthcare and social services fields.

This indicates Canada is widely opening the door for healthcare and social services professionals.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 475. Previously, it was 504. To qualify, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 13, 2025.

Key Updates

• Draw Date: July 22, 2025
• Number of ITAs issued: 4,000
• Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 475
• Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025, in the Express Entry pool

What Does It Mean for Healthcare and Social Service Professionals?

It's the largest healthcare and social services Express Entry draw Canada has held so far. The draws are part of Canada's ongoing effort to address acute labour shortages in these critical sectors.

This draw targeted 37 occupations, including nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and personal support workers, among others.

IRCC has included various jobs in the Healthcare and Social Services category in the Express Entry. Job titles include social workers, pharmacists, dental hygienists, and community service workers. This broadening increases the pool of eligible candidates.

How to Qualify for the Healthcare and Social Services category?

Under Express Entry, the candidates must meet specific criteria to become eligible. Some of them include the following:

• At least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equivalent part-time amount) in a single eligible healthcare or social services occupation within the last 3 years. This experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
• Eligible Occupations include nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dental hygienists, personal support workers, community service workers, and many others as defined in the updated National Occupational Classification (NOC) list for 2025. You may check with the official website for details regarding the NOC list.
• Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level requirements in either English or French, in any of the official language tests recognized by IRCC. Language proficiency is mandatory even if you want to pursue study or work in Canada.
• Create an Express Entry profile and you will obtain a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Though CRS cut-offs fluctuate per draw, healthcare and social service category-based draws generally have lower CRS thresholds than general draws.
• Unlike many other streams, category-based draws for healthcare and social services do not require a Canadian job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

In addition to these, you must meet all other criteria specified for each Express Entry draw round, including medical, security, and admissibility checks.

Express Entry Draws in July 2025

Canada's Express Entry system has held four draws in July 2025 so far, with IRCC inviting skilled professionals from a mix of programs.

Apart from this latest draw, the two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws were held on July 7 and 21, and a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on July 8.

The majority of draws this year focus on PNP candidates, with additional invitations going to CEC applicants, French-language-proficient candidates, and those in priority occupation categories such as healthcare and education.

These draws are part of Canada's strategy to address workforce shortages in critical sectors, making it easier for qualified professionals to gain permanent residence. In total, IRCC has invited 49,403 candidates through Express Entry in 2025.

Things to Remember

• Have recent skilled work experience (6+ months) in an eligible healthcare or social service occupation.
• Meet language requirements in English or French.
• Maintain an active Express Entry profile with up-to-date information.
• Aim for a competitive CRS score.
• Stay alert for IRCC updates on targeted healthcare and social services draws.
• Be ready to meet medical, security, and admissibility requirements if invited.
• Submit and update your profile promptly to improve your chances.

If you work in healthcare, social services, or another essential occupation, now is a great time to update your Express Entry profile and ensure your CRS score is competitive. The door is open wider than ever.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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