IRCC invites 4,000 candidates in healthcare-focused Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence on June 25, 2026, through a category-based Express Entry selection round targeting healthcare and social services occupations.
The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475, with candidates needing to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 12:14 p.m. UTC on May 21, 2026.
This latest round continues a series of targeted federal immigration selections aimed at addressing labour shortages in specific sectors, particularly healthcare.
- Draw date: June 25, 2026
- Category: Healthcare and social services
- Invitations issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS score: 475
- Profile submission deadline: May 21, 2026
Overview of the June 25 Express Entry draw
The June 25 invitation round represents the second healthcare and social services-focused draw conducted in 2026. It forms part of IRCC’s category-based selection approach, which identifies candidates with work experience in priority occupations.
Category-based draws were introduced to align economic immigration selection with labour market needs. Healthcare remains a key priority due to ongoing demand for workers across multiple provinces and territories.
Candidates selected in this draw were ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, a points-based method used to evaluate Express Entry profiles. Only those exceeding the CRS threshold and meeting category requirements were invited.
Eligibility parameters in category-based draws
To qualify under the healthcare and social services category, candidates must have eligible work experience in designated occupations identified by IRCC. These occupations are periodically defined and updated based on labour market data.
In addition to occupation-specific requirements, all candidates must meet baseline Express Entry eligibility criteria under one of the federal economic immigration programs.
CRS scores are calculated using factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience. The points system determines the ranking of candidates within the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry activity throughout 2026
The June 25 draw marks the 34th Express Entry round held in 2026. Federal immigration invitations this year have included a mix of general and targeted draws.
Recent rounds show a continued emphasis on candidates with Canadian work experience and those nominated through provincial immigration streams.
For example, a Canadian Experience Class draw on June 23 issued 4,000 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 516, while a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on June 22 invited 955 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 730.
A separate draw held on June 24 focused on physicians with Canadian work experience, issuing 271 invitations with a significantly lower CRS threshold of 223.
Distribution of draw types in 2026
Express Entry draws this year have been conducted across several categories, including:
- Provincial Nominee Program (12 rounds)
- Canadian Experience Class (10 rounds)
- French-language proficiency (6 rounds)
- Healthcare and social services (2 rounds)
- Physicians with Canadian work experience (2 rounds)
- Trades and other targeted categories (limited rounds)
This distribution reflects a structured approach to selecting candidates based on both economic priorities and regional workforce needs.
Total invitations issued in 2026
As of June 25, IRCC has issued 89,067 invitations to apply through Express Entry in 2026. The majority of invitations have been allocated across a few key categories.
Canadian Experience Class candidates account for the largest share, with over 41,000 invitations issued. French-language proficiency draws have also played a significant role, with more than 30,000 invitations.
Healthcare and social services draws have resulted in 8,000 invitations so far, including the most recent round.
Provincial Nominee Program draws have contributed more than 5,400 invitations, reflecting continued coordination between federal and provincial immigration pathways.
Role of provincial nominations
Provincial nomination remains a distinct pathway within Express Entry, allowing provinces to select candidates based on regional labour needs. Applicants who receive a nomination are awarded additional CRS points.
Provincial streams such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) are part of this system and contribute to federal selection rounds.
PNP-specific draws typically have higher CRS cut-off scores due to the additional points granted through nomination.
Category-based selection and labour market focus
Category-based selection enables IRCC to conduct draws that prioritize candidates in sectors experiencing workforce shortages. Healthcare has remained a consistent focus due to demographic pressures and service demand.
Eligible occupations within healthcare and social services can include roles such as nurses, physicians, and support workers, depending on IRCC’s classification at the time of the draw.
This targeted approach allows for the selection of qualified candidates who meet both general immigration criteria and sector-specific requirements.
CRS score trends in recent draws
CRS cut-off scores in 2026 have varied significantly depending on the draw type. General Canadian Experience Class draws have often required scores above 500.
In contrast, category-based draws, including healthcare and French-language selections, have featured lower CRS thresholds when occupation or language criteria narrow the pool.
Provincial Nominee Program draws consistently reflect higher cut-offs due to the additional points awarded to nominated candidates.
Ongoing updates to Express Entry draws
IRCC continues to conduct regular draws under the Express Entry system, adjusting selection criteria based on immigration levels planning and labour market demands.
Draw results, including CRS thresholds and invitation volumes, are published following each round. These updates provide insight into evolving immigration priorities.
Further details on recent selection rounds can be accessed through the Express Entry draws index, which tracks invitation patterns and category usage.
The June 25 healthcare-focused draw, with 4,000 invitations issued and a CRS cut-off of 475, reflects the continued use of targeted selection categories within Canada’s immigration system.