Canada 🇨🇦 has taken a major step to address its ongoing healthcare and social services worker shortage. On July 22, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,000 skilled professionals in these fields to apply for permanent residency through a special Express Entry draw. This move marks one of the largest targeted draws of the year, showing the government’s urgent response to critical labour gaps.
The July 22, 2025 Express Entry Draw: What Happened and Why It Matters
IRCC’s latest Express Entry draw, number 357, focused on healthcare and social services occupations. The draw issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency, a significant increase compared to previous draws in this category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 475, which is lower than the 504 and 510 cut-offs seen in the May and June 2025 draws. This lower score means more qualified candidates had a chance to receive an invitation.
The draw included candidates from all three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
To be eligible, candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profile before March 13, 2025, at 1:08 p.m. UTC. The eligible occupations list covered 37 healthcare and social services roles, such as nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dental hygienists, and mental health workers.
Why Canada 🇨🇦 Is Focusing on Healthcare and Social Services
Canada 🇨🇦 has faced a growing shortage of healthcare and social services workers, a problem made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. Hospitals, clinics, and community organizations across the country have struggled to fill key positions, leading to longer wait times and increased pressure on existing staff.
In February 2025, IRCC announced a new approach to Express Entry draws. The government introduced category-based draws to better match immigration with Canada’s labour market needs. These draws focus on sectors with the most urgent shortages, including healthcare, social services, trades, education, and Francophone immigration.
By expanding the healthcare category to include social service occupations, the government has opened the door for more professionals to qualify. This includes not only doctors and nurses but also social workers, community service workers, and mental health professionals. The goal is to make it easier for skilled workers in these fields to gain permanent residency and help fill the gaps in Canada’s essential services.
Key Details from the July 22, 2025 Draw
- Date of Draw: July 22, 2025
- Number of ITAs Issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 475 (lower than previous draws)
- Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2)
- Tie-breaking Rule: March 13, 2025, 1:08 p.m. UTC
- Eligible Programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Eligible Occupations: 37 healthcare and social services roles, including nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dental hygienists, and more
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to:
- Have an active Express Entry profile created before March 13, 2025, 1:08 p.m. UTC
- Work in one of the 37 eligible healthcare or social services occupations
- Meet the minimum CRS score of 475
The eligible occupations list is broad and includes:
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Social workers and community service workers
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- Medical technologists and technicians
- Mental health workers
This approach gives a better chance to a wide range of healthcare and social services professionals, not just those in the most high-profile roles.
How the Express Entry Process Works for Healthcare and Social Services Workers
Here’s a step-by-step guide for candidates who received an ITA in this draw:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile online, including language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and passport details. Make sure your profile was created before the cut-off date.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the criteria and are selected in a category-based draw, you’ll get an ITA through your online account.
- Submit a Complete PR Application: Within 60 days of receiving your ITA, you must submit all required documents. This includes:
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Police certificates
- Medical exams
- Reference letters
- Proof of work experience
- Application Processing: IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months.
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): Once approved, you’ll get your COPR and can plan your move to Canada 🇨🇦 as a permanent resident.
For more details on the Express Entry process and required documents, visit the official IRCC Express Entry page.
What Makes This Draw Different?
This draw stands out for several reasons:
- Largest healthcare and social services draw in 2025: With 4,000 ITAs, it’s much bigger than the previous draws in May and June, which each issued only 500 ITAs.
- Lower CRS score: The minimum score dropped to 475, making it easier for more candidates to qualify.
- Expanded eligibility: The inclusion of social service occupations means more professionals can benefit.
- Clear government focus: The draw shows Canada’s commitment to filling urgent labour shortages in healthcare and social services.
Official Statements and Government Strategy
Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, highlighted the importance of immigration in supporting Canada’s economy and public services. He said, “Immigration is key to addressing labour shortages and supporting economic growth, especially in healthcare and social services.”
IRCC’s 2025 strategy centers on category-based draws that target sectors with the greatest need. The government wants to make it faster and easier for skilled workers in these fields to get permanent residency. This approach also supports Francophone immigration and helps temporary residents transition to permanent status.
Expert Opinions: What Does This Mean for Applicants and Canada 🇨🇦?
Immigration experts see this draw as a strong signal that Canada 🇨🇦 is serious about attracting and keeping healthcare and social services workers. The lower CRS score and higher number of ITAs show the government’s willingness to act quickly to fill gaps made worse by the pandemic and an aging population.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, expanding the list of eligible occupations and using category-based draws gives qualified foreign workers a better chance to get permanent residency. In the past, general draws often had higher CRS cut-offs, making it harder for some healthcare and social services professionals to qualify.
The timing and size of this draw also suggest that IRCC wants to help temporary foreign workers and international graduates already in Canada 🇨🇦 stay in the country. By offering a clear, streamlined path to permanent residency, the government hopes to keep skilled workers who are already contributing to the healthcare and social services sectors.
What Are the Practical Steps for Applicants?
If you received an ITA in this draw, here’s what you need to do next:
- Gather your documents: Make sure you have all required paperwork, including language test results, ECA, police certificates, and proof of work experience.
- Submit your application on time: You have 60 days from the date you receive your ITA to submit a complete application. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance.
- Prepare for medical and background checks: All applicants must pass a medical exam and provide police certificates from every country where they’ve lived for six months or more since age 18.
- Watch for updates: IRCC may request additional documents or information during processing. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
For official forms and instructions, visit the IRCC forms page.
How Does This Affect Employers and Communities?
Employers in Canada’s healthcare and social services sectors have struggled to find enough qualified staff. This draw gives them hope that more skilled workers will soon be available to fill open positions. Hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, and community organizations all stand to benefit from a larger pool of permanent residents with the right skills.
Communities across Canada 🇨🇦, especially in rural and remote areas, often face the biggest challenges in recruiting healthcare and social services workers. By making it easier for foreign professionals to get permanent residency, the government aims to improve access to care and support for people in these regions.
What About Temporary Residents and International Graduates?
Many temporary foreign workers and international graduates already work in Canada’s healthcare and social services sectors. The new category-based draws give them a better chance to stay in the country permanently. This helps Canada 🇨🇦 keep talented workers who have already proven their value and commitment.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Express Entry and Healthcare Immigration?
IRCC plans to continue with category-based draws throughout 2025. More rounds are expected for healthcare, social services, trades, and education sectors. The government may adjust CRS cut-offs and the number of ITAs based on labour market needs and immigration targets.
Policy changes are also expected to make it easier for healthcare and social services professionals to have their credentials recognized in Canada 🇨🇦. This will help new immigrants start working in their fields faster and support their integration into Canadian society.
Tips for Future Applicants
If you’re a healthcare or social services professional interested in moving to Canada 🇨🇦, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Follow updates on the IRCC Express Entry draw results page.
- Prepare your documents early: Language tests and Educational Credential Assessments can take time. Start these steps as soon as possible.
- Check your eligibility: Make sure your occupation is on the list of eligible roles for healthcare and social services draws.
- Improve your CRS score: If possible, improve your language test results, gain more work experience, or pursue further education to boost your score.
- Consult official resources: Use the IRCC website for the latest information and guidance.
Conclusion: A New Era for Healthcare and Social Services Immigration in Canada 🇨🇦
The July 22, 2025 Express Entry draw marks a turning point in Canada’s approach to filling critical healthcare and social services jobs. By inviting 4,000 skilled professionals to apply for permanent residency, the government is taking bold action to address labour shortages and support communities across the country.
For applicants, this draw offers a clear, practical path to permanent residency and a chance to build a future in Canada 🇨🇦. For employers and communities, it promises much-needed relief and the hope of better access to essential services.
As IRCC continues to refine its immigration policies, healthcare and social services professionals from around the world can look forward to more opportunities to contribute to Canada’s growth and well-being. Stay informed, prepare your documents, and take advantage of the new pathways opening up in 2025 and beyond.
Learn Today
Express Entry → A Canadian immigration system managing applications for permanent residency under economic programs.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) → A points system used to evaluate and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) → Official notification inviting a candidate to submit a permanent residency application.
Category-based Draws → Express Entry selection rounds targeting specific occupations to align immigration with labor market needs.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) → Verification of foreign educational qualifications to Canadian standards required for immigration.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s July 22, 2025 Express Entry draw issued 4,000 ITAs for healthcare and social workers, lowering CRS to 475 to address critical labor shortages nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
