Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held a major Express Entry draw focused on the Healthcare and Social Services occupations, issuing 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This comes amid growing concern over labor shortages in Canada’s care sector.
In a strategic move, the draw set a relatively low CRS cutoff of 462, marking the lowest score for a healthcare‑focused draw in 2025. The draw prioritizes essential healthcare and social service professionals and also highlights IRCC’s efforts to ensure Canada’s health system remains staffed amid rising demand, demographic pressures, and an aging population, providing a timely opportunity for international talent to contribute to critical sectors.
Draw Details & Mechanics
Date of draw: November 14, 2025
Number of ITAs issued: 3,500
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cutoff: 462
Eligible category: Healthcare & Social Services occupations
Tie-breaking rule: Candidates’ profiles must have been created by December 2, 2024, 22:19:41 UTC
Purpose & Overview of the Draw
This draw underscores Canada’s urgent need to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, including nurses, personal support workers, and social service workers.
By running a category-based draw exclusively for healthcare and social service occupations, IRCC ensures skilled candidates can fill critical gaps in hospitals, community care, and long-term care facilities.
The relatively low CRS cutoff demonstrates IRCC’s pragmatic approach to immigration, balancing competitiveness with accessibility. It provides opportunities for candidates who may not have extremely high CRS scores but possess essential skills.
Such draws also support Canada’s strategic labor planning, ensuring that workforce shortages in healthcare and social services are addressed while simultaneously maintaining high standards for permanent residency eligibility.
Impact on Canadian Immigration
Provides clearer pathways to permanent residency for healthcare and social service professionals.
Addresses immediate labor shortages in hospitals, long-term care, and community support services.
Opens opportunities for candidates who may not have extremely high CRS scores, making Canada more accessible for skilled international talent.
Supports regional workforce needs, encouraging settlement in underserved or rural areas.
Strengthens the healthcare system and economy by adding skilled professionals to critical sectors.
Reflects Canada’s sector-focused, strategic approach to immigration policy, aligning selection with labor market and demographic demands.
Broader Context & Trends
This is the sixth Healthcare & Social Services draw in 2025.
Over the year, 13,292 ITAs have been issued in this category, making it one of IRCC’s largest and most targeted streams.
Earlier healthcare draws had higher CRS cutoffs; for example, a draw in August 2025 issued 2,500 ITAs with a cutoff of 470.
The declining CRS cutoff indicates IRCC’s adaptive approach, lowering the threshold to meet current labor demands without compromising quality.
These draws reflect a shift in Canada’s immigration strategy toward sector-specific prioritization, ensuring skilled talent is directed to areas with acute labor needs.
Candidates should consider language proficiency, education, and work experience enhancements to maximize chances in upcoming draws.
What This Means for Applicants
Check if your NOC code is part of the eligible list for the healthcare category.
Track CRS scores and timing, as lower-cutoff draws may provide unexpected opportunities.
Build relevant healthcare experience or enhance profiles through language tests, education, or work experience.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 82,199