Canada wrapped up a remarkable four-day run of Express Entry draws with a strong finish. On June 25, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Healthcare and Social Services category, closing out a week that saw draws for PNP candidates, Canadian Experience Class applicants, and physicians, all within 72 hours. The June 25 draw marks the 34th Express Entry selection round of the year and IRCC's second Healthcare and Social Services draw of 2026, with a higher CRS cutoff compared to the first draw in February.
Express Entry draws held in 2026 to date have mostly focused on candidates already in Canada, specifically those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations. The healthcare draw fits squarely within that pattern, and its timing alongside the PNP, CEC, and physicians draws in the same week signals that IRCC is accelerating its pace heading into the second half of the year.
June 25 Express Entry Draw: Official Details
Here's a full breakdown of everything officially released about this draw:
✅ Invitation Round: #422
✅ Date of Round: June 25, 2026
✅ Type of Deaw: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
✅ Number of ITAs Issued: 4,000
✅ CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 475
✅ Tie-Breaking Rule: March 21, 2026 at 01:02:28 UTC
What Makes This Draw Stand Out
The CRS cutoff of 475 represents an increase of just 8 points from the previous healthcare draw, which had a cutoff of 467, and the invitation count of 4,000 matched that draw exactly. The consistency in volume is notable given that draw sizes across other categories have varied significantly in recent months.
Healthcare draws through 2025 generally landed in the 460 to 480 CRS Score, and as of February 18, 2026, IRCC raised the minimum work experience requirement for category eligibility from six months to one year. The June 25 cutoff of 475 sits comfortably within that established range, suggesting the healthcare pool remains well-stocked with competitive candidates despite the raised eligibility bar.
Impact on Immigration to Canada
The healthcare draw is one of the clearest signals of where Canada's immigration priorities are heading. Healthcare-specific draws often carry a lower CRS cutoff compared to other draw types. Healthcare draws in 2024 had a CRS cutoff in the 420 to 460 range, while the CEC cutoff was higher than 510 for most draws in 2024. A cutoff of 475 in a pool of 239,645 candidates reflects how targeted category draws continue to give healthcare professionals a meaningful edge over the general pool.
A candidate with a CRS of 450 in a qualifying healthcare occupation may receive an ITA before a general draw ever reaches that score, demonstrating the structural benefit of category-based selection for workers in priority sectors. For nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals sitting in the mid-400s CRS range, this draw type represents their most reliable pathway to permanent residency.
Who Qualifies for Healthcare and Social Services Draws
The Healthcare and Social Services category covers a broad range of occupations across clinical and community care settings. Eligible roles include:
General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
Pharmacists (NOC 31120) and pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) and occupational therapists (NOC 31203)
Psychologists (NOC 31200)
Dentists (NOC 31110) and dental hygienists (NOC 32111)
Social workers (NOC 41300) and social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102) and nurse aides and orderlies (NOC 33102)
To qualify for an ITA through this category, candidates must meet all standard Express Entry eligibility requirements, have at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in a single eligible occupation within the past three years, and hold a CRS score at or above the cutoff set on draw day.
Healthcare workers with competitive scores are likely to be invited within 12 months of entering the pool. Candidates with lower CRS scores may also consider the Provincial Nominee Program, which can add 600 points to a CRS score and significantly improve chances of receiving an ITA.
Canada Express Entry Draw List 2026
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 89,067