IMMIGRATE

First Healthcare Express Entry Draw Sent 500 PR Invitations

May 7, 2025
12:50 am

Share Now

Last Updated On 2 May 2025, 3:53 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Today, Canada’s immigration department announces the first Healthcare Express Entry draw of 2025, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

This draw focuses on individuals who have at least 6 months of experience in one of the 37 eligible occupations under the healthcare and social service category.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff increased to 510 as compared to only 463 in the previous healthcare round of invitations.

As the country grapples with labour shortages and an aging population, this targeted draw underscores a commitment to bolstering its healthcare sector through immigration.

Here’s everything you need to know about today’s Express Entry draw and the full list of eligible occupations under this round of invitations.

Full Details of Today’s Express Entry Draw

Category: Healthcare and social services occupations
Date and time: May 2, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 510
Number of invitations issued: 500
Rank needed: 500 or above
Tie-breaking rule: July 21, 2024 at 04:31:17 UTC
- If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Below is the list of occupations sorted alphabetically by occupation, with the 2021 NOC code:

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
Audiologists and speech language pathologists (31112)
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
Chiropractors (31201)
Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
Dentists (31110)
Dieticians and nutritionists (31121)
General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
Licensed practical nurses (32101)
Massage therapists (32201)
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
Medical radiation technologists (32121)
Medical sonographers (32122)
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102)
Nurse practitioners (31302)
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (31300)
Occupational therapists (31203)
Optometrists (31111)
Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (31209)
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
Paramedical occupations (32102)
Pharmacists (31120)
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103)
Pharmacy technicians (32124)
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (31303)
Physiotherapists (31202)
Psychologists (31200)
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
Social and community service workers (42201)
Social workers (41300)
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)
Specialists in surgery (31101)
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
Veterinarians (31103)

IRCC is likely to prioritize healthcare, CEC, and PNP draws, with a focus on domestic candidates (those already in Canada) to address labour shortages.

Francophone draws will continue to support French-speaking communities, while education and trade draws may gain traction following the introduction of new categories.

However, challenges loom. A pause in draws since March 21, 2025, possibly due to election-related caution or system updates, did create some uncertainty.

Despite this, IRCC’s commitment to 395,000 PR admissions ensures more opportunities.

Candidates should stay proactive, monitoring IRCC updates and refining their profiles.

The Express Entry pool is competitive, with 246,673 candidates vying for limited spots.

High CRS cutoffs (510+ for healthcare, 700+ for PNP) demand strategic planning.

Professionals with experience in rural or Francophone communities may find faster pathways via PNPs.

Delays, like the recent draw pause, can frustrate applicants, especially those with expiring work permits.

However, Canada’s labor shortages—with 20% of the population over 65—mean healthcare professionals remain in high demand.

The first Healthcare Express Entry draw of 2025 is more than a milestone—it’s a beacon of opportunity for healthcare professionals worldwide.

With 500 ITAs issued at a CRS of 510, this draw highlights Canada’s urgent need for skilled workers to strengthen its healthcare system.

As IRCC gears up for more draws in 2025, now is the time to act.

Calculate your CRS score, improve your profile, and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to navigate the process.

Canada’s doors are open, but not as wide as before—will you step through?

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.