Updated for 2025
Canada’s Express Entry system has introduced category-based rounds of invitations aimed at selecting candidates in key occupations—healthcare and social services being one of the largest and most vital categories. In this blog post, Immigration Nation highlights the qualifying occupations, recent draw trends, and how to improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under this category.
1. Why a Healthcare & Social Services Category?
Canada faces ongoing shortages in healthcare and social services—doctors, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals. This category-based approach helps ensure:
- Targeted Recruitment: IRCC focuses on high-demand roles such as registered nurses, physicians, social workers, or licensed practical nurses.
- System Efficiency: By filtering eligible Express Entry profiles, IRCC can address urgent labor needs swiftly.
- Improved Community Health & Well-being: Bringing in qualified healthcare professionals supports Canada’s growing population and social infrastructure.
2. Who Qualifies for the Healthcare Category?
To qualify for an ITA under the healthcare and social services occupations, you must:
- Have at least 6 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the designated occupations within the past 3 years (in Canada or abroad).
- Meet Express Entry’s general requirements: Eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program.
- Maintain an Active Profile in the Express Entry pool: IRCC will automatically screen for your eligibility under the healthcare category.
3. Healthcare & Social Services Occupations Table
Below is the official list of 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories for eligible healthcare occupations. You must match one of these codes to your experience, ensuring you also meet Express Entry’s baseline criteria.
Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER |
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
Audiologists and speech language pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
Cardiology technologists, electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
Dieticians and nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
Massage therapists | 32201 | 2 |
Medical laboratory assistants, related technical occupations | 33101 | 3 |
Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 | 2 |
Medical radiation technologists | 32121 | 2 |
Medical sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates | 33102 | 3 |
Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
Occupational therapists | 31203 | 1 |
Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing/treating | 31209 | 1 |
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 | 2 |
Paramedical occupations | 32102 | 2 |
Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 | 3 |
Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
Physician assistants, midwives, allied health professionals | 31303 | 1 |
Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
Registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 | 2 |
Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 | 1 |
Specialists in surgery | 31101 | 1 |
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 | 1 |
Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
4. Recent Healthcare Draws: Trends & CRS Scores
IRCC has run multiple healthcare occupation draws since mid-2023. Here are key data points from some notable rounds:
- Round #327 (November 20, 2024 – Healthcare, Version 1)
- Invitations Issued: 3,000
- CRS (lowest rank): 463
- Round #301 (July 5, 2024 – Healthcare, Version 1)
- Invitations Issued: 3,750
- CRS (lowest rank): 445
- Round #284 (February 14, 2024 – Healthcare, Version 1)
- Invitations Issued: 3,500
- CRS (lowest rank): 422
Key Observations:
- CRS cut-offs for healthcare draws often range from 420 to 480.
- Frequency: Healthcare rounds appear every few months, though IRCC adjusts the schedule based on workforce needs.
- Volume: Invitation numbers can vary significantly, from under 1,000 to several thousand in a single draw.
5. Anticipated CRS Score & Upcoming Rounds
Future Score Outlook
Canadian healthcare remains high priority—nursing, family physicians, and allied health roles are in considerable demand. We anticipate continued healthcare draws, potentially with CRS scores hovering in the 420–470 range. However, the exact cut-off can fluctuate based on:
- Number of invitations in a given round
- Overall size and strength of the Express Entry pool
- Shifts in Canada’s labor demands
Projected Rounds Frequency
Given the consistent shortages, IRCC may hold 2–6 healthcare occupation draws per year, supplementing general draws and other categories like STEM or French proficiency. Keep watch on IRCC’s newsroom or consult with an immigration professional to stay updated.
6. Strengthening Your Healthcare Profile
To maximize your competitiveness for a healthcare occupations invitation, consider:
- Language Excellence: Higher IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French) scores can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs): If you studied abroad, ensure your diploma/degree is evaluated by a recognized organization.
- Work Experience Documentation: Maintain detailed references and job descriptions aligning with the correct NOC code in the healthcare category.
- Professional Registration/Licensing: In some cases, demonstrating eligibility for provincial licensing (e.g., as a registered nurse or pharmacist) can bolster your credibility.
- Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces target healthcare occupations with additional points or direct nominations—an extra 600 CRS points for a PNP can virtually guarantee an ITA.
7. FAQs on Healthcare & Social Services Draws
- Do I need a Canadian job offer to qualify for healthcare-based draws?
Answer: No, a job offer isn’t mandatory. However, it can significantly boost your CRS score. - Can I combine multiple healthcare occupations (e.g., nurse aide + LPN) to meet the 6-month requirement?
Answer: Your 6-month requirement must be continuous in a single NOC code. Multiple roles can’t be added unless they share the same NOC. - What if I have part-time experience?
Answer: IRCC permits an equivalent part-time experience—ensure it sums to at least 6 months of continuous, full-time hours. - My occupation is not in the table. Can I still qualify under Healthcare draws?
Answer: No, you must be in one of the listed NOC codes. If your role is borderline, confirm the correct code with an employer or consult an immigration expert. - Are social workers (NOC 41300) definitely included?
Answer: Yes. IRCC’s official table lists social workers under TEER 1, making them eligible for these draws. - What if I have a PhD in medical research but no direct clinical experience?
Answer: You’ll need actual work experience in one of the recognized NOCs. Pure research (not otherwise listed) may not qualify unless it aligns with an included occupation code. - How long does IRCC take to process healthcare-based ITAs?
Answer: Processing times vary, often 4–8 months once you submit a complete PR application. Having thorough, well-organized documents helps ensure a smoother process.
How Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant Can Help
At Immigration Nation, we excel at guiding healthcare professionals toward successful permanent residence. Our services include:
- Profile Evaluation: We assess your credentials against the healthcare occupation list and confirm your Express Entry eligibility.
- CRS Optimization: From language score improvement strategies to verifying educational credentials, we help you reach a competitive CRS.
- Documentation Assistance: We ensure your job letters, NOC code selection, and references align with IRCC’s requirements.
- Provincial Nominee Support: Some provinces or territories have special streams for healthcare workers. We’ll identify and apply for any relevant PNP options.
Call us at (780) 800-0113, email [email protected], or visit us at 9038 51 Ave NW, Suite 206, Edmonton, AB T6E 5X4 to start your journey.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s healthcare and social services category-based draws provide a direct route to permanent residence for those trained and experienced in key roles—ranging from registered nurses to social workers. With CRS thresholds typically in the low-to-mid 400s, well-prepared candidates have a strong chance to secure an Invitation to Apply.
Stay vigilant for IRCC updates, keep your Express Entry profile accurate, and consider how you might boost your CRS (e.g., language exams, ECA, or PNP). For personalized support, Immigration Nation – Edmonton Immigration Consultant remains committed to helping healthcare applicants navigate Canada’s immigration system—unlocking new professional horizons in this in-demand sector. Reach out today to begin your next chapter in Canada’s booming healthcare landscape!
Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult IRCC’s official site or a licensed consultant for the most accurate and up-to-date details.