In a major move to strengthen its healthcare workforce, Canada has invited 3,500 health and social care professionals to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. The latest targeted draw highlights the country’s continued commitment to filling labour shortages in critical care sectors, especially as demand for medical and community-support services continues to rise. This milestone announcement has opened new pathways for nurses, social workers, therapists, technicians, and other healthcare professionals seeking long-term settlement in Canada. With a growing need for skilled workers, the government is prioritizing those who can contribute to the nation’s expanding medical and social-care ecosystem. Below is an in-depth analysis of the draw, eligibility requirements, priority occupations, and what aspirants can expect next.
Canada has been grappling with a chronic shortage of health workers for years. The latest draw, offering 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), directly supports the government’s plan to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. With an aging population and increased demand for care services, the country is expanding its workforce through targeted immigration.
This draw allows Canada to fast-track permanent residency for professionals in medical and social-service sectors—areas identified as “high shortage and high priority.”
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 462, making it accessible to a large number of skilled healthcare workers around the world.
To qualify under this category-based selection, candidates typically need:
At least 6 months of continuous full-time experience in a health or social-care occupation within the last three years
At least one year of total skilled work experience
A valid Express Entry profile
Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign qualifications
Strong CRS ranking factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency
Candidates both inside and outside Canada were eligible for this draw.
The targeted category includes 37 healthcare and social-care occupations, such as:
Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Psychologists
Social Workers
Paramedics
Lab Technicians
Medical Radiation Technologists
Dentists & Dental Hygienists
Community and Social Services Workers
Home Support Workers
These roles are crucial to Canada’s healthcare system, making them highly prioritized for immigration.
Multiple factors are driving Canada’s push to attract healthcare workers:
Hospital networks, aged-care homes, and rehabilitation centers are experiencing staffing shortages.
By 2030, nearly one-fourth of Canada’s population will be over the age of 65.
Post-pandemic challenges have amplified the need for psychologists, counselors, and social-care workers.
Canada is investing in new hospitals, long-term care centers, and community support programs.
This draw is part of a broader strategy to fill these gaps by attracting global talent.
Healthcare professionals gain several advantages under Canada’s category-based selection system:
Express Entry applications are processed within 6–8 months.
Targeted draws give preference to candidates with in-demand skills.
Healthcare remains one of the most secure and well-paid sectors in Canada.
Permanent residents enjoy the same benefits as Canadian citizens.
Applicants can include spouse and dependent children in their PR application.
PR holders can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Here is a step-by-step guide for aspirants:
Ensure your job title falls within the eligible list of 37 occupations.
IELTS General or CELPIP is required for English; TEF/TCF for French.
Obtain an ECA from WES, IQAS, CES, or ICES.
Your details help determine your CRS score.
Ways to increase your score include:
Improving language scores
Gaining more work experience
Completing additional education
Securing a provincial nomination (adds 600 points)
Healthcare-specific draws significantly increase your chances.
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit the full PR application.
These documents verify your eligibility and admissibility.
Successful applicants receive their COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence).
This draw signals several important shifts:
Canada will continue to invite more healthcare workers to meet national demand.
Category-based draws often have lower CRS scores than general draws.
Students finishing programs like nursing, physiotherapy, or medical technology will have a smoother pathway to PR.
Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia will likely issue more nominations to healthcare workers.
If you're studying nursing, medical sciences, community services, or allied health in Canada, this update is especially valuable:
You may qualify for PR faster after graduation
Healthcare experience gained through co-ops and internships can count
Pathways like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) make gaining experience easier
This makes Canada one of the best options for students aspiring to long-term healthcare careers abroad.
Canada is facing a labour shortage in critical healthcare roles. The government is inviting skilled workers to strengthen hospitals, clinics, and community-care services.
The minimum CRS score was 462 for this targeted draw.
Applicants with at least 6 months of work experience in one of the eligible 37 occupations can qualify, provided they meet Express Entry requirements.
Yes. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides are among the eligible occupations.
Most Express Entry PR applications are processed within 6–8 months.
Yes. Both inland and overseas applicants can receive invitations under this category.
Yes. Through targeted category draws, healthcare professionals receive priority and often face lower CRS cut-offs.
Nurses, social workers, therapists, lab technicians, paramedics, and medical technologists are among the most sought-after roles.
Canada’s decision to invite 3,500 health and social care professionals for permanent residency is a clear signal of the growing opportunities in the medical and community-care sectors. For healthcare workers around the world, this draw represents one of the most accessible and rewarding pathways to build a stable future in Canada.
Whether you are a nurse, therapist, social worker, or lab technician, now is the ideal time to take advantage of these targeted immigration options and secure your Canadian PR.
