Canada’s immigration system continued its December momentum on December 11, 2025, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a targeted Express Entry draw issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in healthcare and social services occupations. This marked the third Express Entry round of December 2025 and reflects IRCC’s ongoing strategy to address critical workforce needs in essential sectors.
The draw focused on candidates in 37 eligible healthcare and social services occupations, offering opportunities to skilled professionals who can immediately contribute to Canada’s labour market. The minimum CRS score for this draw was 476. The targeted approach shows IRCC’s commitment to balancing general economic immigration with sector-specific labour demands.
Details of the December 11 Draw
Draw Number: Express Entry Round #385
Date of Draw: December 11, 2025
Program: Targeted Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Invitations Issued (ITAs): 1,000
Minimum CRS Score: 476
Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before November 26, 2025, at 07:44:30 UTC
Significance: Third Express Entry draw in December, focusing on essential healthcare and social services sector.
Overview and Purpose of the Draw
The draw prioritised skilled professionals in critical healthcare and social services roles, addressing immediate labour shortages in hospitals, clinics, and social care facilities.
By issuing ITAs to targeted occupations, IRCC aims to strengthen essential services across Canada, ensuring qualified personnel are available in high-demand roles.
The targeted approach reflects a broader strategy to supplement general economic immigration draws with sector-focused rounds, aligning immigration outcomes with labour market realities.
It also helps reduce backlogs for in-demand occupations, providing a clear pathway for professionals ready to contribute to Canada’s workforce.
Impact on Immigration and Applicants
The draw opens opportunities for candidates who may have missed out in general CEC or PNP draws due to CRS scores below typical cut-offs.
For the healthcare and social services sectors, this round ensures a steady pipeline of qualified talent to support Canada’s critical infrastructure.
Applicants receiving an ITA can now move toward permanent residency, allowing for stable employment and settlement in communities where skilled workers are most needed.
The targeted nature of this draw may influence future Express Entry trends, highlighting the importance of sector-specific rounds alongside general CEC and PNP invitations.
Looking Ahead
IRCC is expected to continue using targeted and general Express Entry draws to meet both sector-specific and national labour market needs.
Skilled workers in critical occupations who were not invited this round can anticipate future draws in early 2026, maintaining opportunities for permanent residency.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025