Canada Express Entry: 4,000 ITAs for Healthcare Jobs
IRCC Issues 4,000 ITAs in Latest Express Entry Draw for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Canada continues to open its doors to skilled workers in key sectors. In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent out 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates working in healthcare and social services. This marks a significant step in Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its public health and social support systems through immigration.
Key Highlights
- 4,000 ITAs issued in the July 22 draw under the Healthcare and Social Services category
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required: 475
- Candidates needed to have submitted their profiles before 1:08 p.m. UTC on March 13, 2025
- This is the third targeted draw for healthcare and social services professionals this year
- 2025 has seen over 49,000 ITAs issued through Express Entry so far
- Draws continue to focus on PNP, Canadian Experience Class, and priority occupations
What Happened in the Latest Express Entry Draw?
On July 22, IRCC conducted its fourth Express Entry draw of the month, focusing specifically on candidates in healthcare and social services occupations. A total of 4,000 invitations were issued, and eligible applicants needed to have a minimum CRS score of 475. To be considered, candidates also had to have created their Express Entry profile before March 13, 2025, at 1:08 p.m. UTC.
This draw is part of Canada’s ongoing category-based selection under the Express Entry system, which identifies and invites candidates with experience in high-demand sectors. Healthcare and social services have consistently been priority fields, given Canada’s aging population and the strain on public health systems following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Express Entry Trends in 2025
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 49,403 ITAs through the Express Entry system. This includes a mix of general draws, category-based selections, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the types of Express Entry draws held this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 13 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
The focus on PNP and CEC draws has been consistent since June 10, with IRCC alternating between these streams roughly every two weeks. This strategy helps balance Canada’s need to fill urgent labour shortages while also supporting provincial immigration goals.
Who Qualifies Under Healthcare and Social Services?
The category-based selection for healthcare and social services typically includes professionals such as:
- Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Home support workers
- Healthcare aides
Candidates in these occupations are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. If you’re interested in seeing how your profile measures up, check out our CRS calculator tool.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
Here’s a quick look at the last few Express Entry draws leading up to July 22:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 22 | Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
As you can see, draws are happening frequently and vary in focus. Whether you’re applying through the Canadian Experience Class, PNP, or a targeted occupation category, staying informed is crucial.
Tips for Boosting Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is just below recent cut-offs, don’t lose hope! There are several ways you can potentially increase your points:
- Improve your IELTS or CELPIP language scores
- Gain additional work experience in your field
- Complete a higher education credential
- Secure a provincial nomination (worth 600 points!) through programs like the Manitoba PNP
- Apply with a spouse or common-law partner if they have qualifying credentials
Every point counts, especially when draws are this competitive. If you’re unsure where you stand, it’s a great idea to get a professional assessment of your profile.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to demonstrate its flexibility and responsiveness to the country’s labour market needs. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, a French-speaking candidate, or someone with Canadian work experience, there are multiple pathways to permanent residency.
If you’re considering applying through Express Entry, now’s the time to make sure your profile is up-to-date and as competitive as possible. With draws happening frequently across multiple categories, you never know when your opportunity might come.
Curious how your Express Entry profile compares? Click here to check your score and explore your immigration options.
Want to learn more about Canadian immigration options? Be sure to read our guide on how to improve your CRS score or dive deeper into the Provincial Nominee Programs that could give your application a huge boost.
