Canada Express Entry Draw: IRCC Invites 4,000 Healthcare and Social Services Workers
Asif Consulting Immigration Update
Canada continues to prioritise skilled professionals in key sectors, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services workers.
In the latest draw held on 25 June 2026, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to eligible candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services category.
Candidates who received invitations needed to meet the following requirements:
- Minimum CRS Score: 475
- Express Entry profile creation deadline: Candidates must have created their profile before 12:14 PM UTC on 21 May 2026
This was the second Healthcare and Social Services Express Entry draw of 2026. Compared with the previous healthcare-focused draw held on 20 February 2026, where the CRS cutoff was 467, the latest draw had a slightly higher cutoff of 475.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has continued focusing heavily on candidates who already have a connection with Canada, especially those with:
- Canadian work experience
- Provincial nominations
- French-language skills
- Experience in priority occupations such as healthcare
The major Express Entry draws conducted in 2026 include:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 10 draws
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 12 draws
- French Language Proficiency: 6 draws
- Healthcare and Social Services: 2 draws
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 2 draws
- Trades: 1 draw
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 1 draw
Total Invitations Issued by IRCC in 2026
As of the latest draw, IRCC has issued 89,067 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through different Express Entry categories.
Category-wise distribution:
- Canadian Experience Class: 41,250 ITAs
- French Language Proficiency: 30,500 ITAs
- Healthcare and Social Services: 8,000 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 5,405 ITAs
- Trades: 3,000 ITAs
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 662 ITAs
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 250 ITAs
What This Means for Healthcare Professionals
The latest draw highlights Canada’s continued demand for healthcare and social services professionals. Candidates working in eligible healthcare occupations may have strong opportunities through category-based Express Entry selections if they meet IRCC requirements.
Applicants planning to immigrate to Canada should focus on improving their CRS score through:
- Higher language test results
- Additional education qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Provincial nomination opportunities
- Accurate Express Entry profile preparation
Asif Consulting continues to monitor Canada immigration updates and provides professional guidance to applicants seeking opportunities for permanent residence in Canada.
