IRCC Holds Targeted Express Entry Draw for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
June 5, 2025
On June 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued to build the nation’s key workforce by hosting its second occupation-specific Express Entry draw of the year, that is, for social services occupations and healthcare professionals. The draw, round #349, was for candidates in healthcare and social services occupations—a direct indication of Canada’s continued focus on addressing critical labour market requirements.
In this focused draw, IRCC offered 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to such eligible Express Entry candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set to receive an invitation was 504, six points less than the previous occupation-specific draw—indicating growing ease of access for highly qualified professionals in these critical industries.
Let’s take a look at why this draw is important, what it signifies for prospective immigrants, and how it fits into Canada’s overall immigration and labor force objectives.
Canada’s Focus on Priority Occupations
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.
Details of Express Entry Draw #349
Here’s a snapshot of the key details from the June 4, 2025 draw:
- Draw Number: 349
- Draw Date: June 4, 2025
- Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- Number of ITAs Issued: 500
- Minimum CRS Score: 504
- Tie-Breaking Rule: March 31, 2025, at 06:47:23 UTC
This draw provides renewed hope for those who are employed in professions like registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, healthcare assistants, and other Social services occupations. The focused approach allows for quicker processing and clearer routes for those in these professions.
Strong Start to 2025 for Express Entry
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.
Opportunities for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
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:
- Ensure their Express Entry profile is up to date, including language test scores, educational credential assessments (ECA), and work experience.
- Highlight experience in eligible healthcare or social services roles, especially those that align with National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes prioritized by IRCC.
- Seek professional guidance to increase CRS scores or explore additional provincial nomination options.
Canada Opens Doors Wide for Healthcare and Social Services Professionals: Seize the Opportunity Now!
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 proficiency Express Entry
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.
How Can We Help?
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:
- Personalized eligibility assessments
- Strategic CRS improvement planning
- Assistance with document preparation
- Support for provincial nomination pathways
- Ongoing guidance until you land in Canada
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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