Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw Prioritizes Healthcare and Social Service Professionals

In a continued push to address skill shortages in essential sectors, Canada held its second targeted Express Entry draw of June 2025, focused exclusively on healthcare and social services. On June 4, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to qualified professionals with recent experience in these fields.

This latest round, Express Entry Draw #349, set a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 504, underscoring the high demand and competitive nature of these occupations. Candidates were considered only if they had submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 31, 202,5, at 06:47:23 UTC, following IRCC’s standard tie-breaking protocol.

To qualify for this draw, applicants must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience within the past three years in an eligible healthcare or social service occupation. This experience can be either in Canada or abroad, widening the opportunity for international professionals ready to contribute to Canada’s healthcare landscape.

In-demand roles featured in this draw include registered nurses, dentists, social workers, medical laboratory technologists, physiotherapists, and paramedical professionals. These occupations remain critical to the country’s long-term healthcare strategy, especially as Canada faces increasing demands due to an aging population and growing service needs.

Candidates who receive an ITA now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. IRCC has reaffirmed its goal of processing 80% of complete applications within six months, maintaining its reputation for efficiency.

This draw closely follows the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on June 2, further emphasizing Canada’s dual-track immigration strategy—combining federal and provincial systems to attract top-tier talent.

As healthcare remains a central focus in Canada’s immigration policy, skilled professionals in this domain can expect more targeted opportunities throughout 2025.

Canada Express Entry Draw List 2025