Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second occupation-specific Express Entry draw in 2025 on June 4, specifically for social services and healthcare occupations, in an attempt to further build the country's key workforce. The reality that the draw, round #349, was for candidates in the healthcare and social services fields is a firm indication of Canada's continued focus on fulfilling key labor market needs.
The IRCC issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to eligible Express Entry candidates in this focused draw. Six points lower than the last occupation-specific draw, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) threshold that needed to be invited was 504, indicating that highly skilled professionals in these essential fields are becoming more accessible.
Let us have a look at the importance of this attraction, what it holds for prospective immigrants, and how it fits within Canada's wider immigration and labor force objectives.
In the last few years, IRCC has focused more heavily on category-based selection draws in an effort to bring in candidates with experience in high-demand professions. One of the most important of these fields is healthcare and social services occupations, which have seen workforce shortages in a number of provinces.
Canada’s health care system also depends greatly on immigrant professionals. From personal support workers and nurses to social workers and care aides, these occupations in the field of social services are vital to the provision of adequate care and support for Canadians. This attraction indicates that Canada is not merely opening its doors to immigration but choosing strategically those who are most able to respond to gaps within the labour market.
Here’s a snapshot of the key details from the June 4, 2025 draw:
This draw provides renewed hope for those employed in professions such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, healthcare assistants, and other Social services occupations. The focused approach enables quicker processing and clearer paths for those in these professions.
With this latest draw, Canada has issued a total of 35,217 ITAs across 19 Express Entry draws in 2025, a strong indication of the government’s commitment to welcoming top talent. As the year progresses, more targeted draws are expected across multiple sectors, including trades, technology, agriculture, social services occupations, and early childhood education.
By narrowing focus to specific occupations, IRCC ensures that newcomers are aligned with current labour demands, which also increases their chances of successful settlement and integration into the Canadian workforce.
If you’re a skilled professional in the healthcare or social services occupations field, this is a great time to explore your immigration options. Express Entry remains one of the most efficient and merit-based pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
Professionals in these sectors are encouraged to:
The June 4 Express Entry draw marks another milestone in Canada’s targeted immigration approach. By focusing on healthcare and social services, IRCC not only fills crucial workforce needs but also provides skilled professionals a golden opportunity to build a life in one of the world’s most welcoming and prosperous countries.
French language skills are an important factor in Canada’s Express Entry system, particularly for applicants who want to enhance Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. The federal government gives extra CRS points to applicants with excellent French language skills, even if their second language is French.
Applicants can gain a maximum of 50 extra CRS points for French skills alone. This benefit is especially valuable to those who focus on categories like the category-based selection draws launched by IRCC, including in-demand occupations.
It is worth noting that the latest Express Entry draws have focused on candidates with French language proficiency who are engaged in social services occupations, including social workers, counsellors, and community service workers—underlining Canada’s dedication to serving Francophone communities across provinces.
We specialize in helping healthcare and social services professionals navigate the Canadian immigration process with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re just starting your Express Entry profile or looking to enhance your existing one, our team can provide:
With the latest IRCC draw focused on your occupation, there’s no better time to act. Let our experts help you take the next step toward a successful future in Canada.
If you want to know more details about “IRCC Holds Targeted Express Entry Draw for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
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