Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 3,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR) in a healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw. This category-specific selection required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 463.
This latest draw is part of a busy week for Express Entry, marking the third in just a few days. It follows a draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates on November 19 and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 18.
IRCC’s efforts reflect an ongoing trend, as back-to-back draws have been a feature for the second consecutive week. Just last week, 1,933 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates across the CEC, PNP, and French-language proficiency categories.
Rising Immigration Targets for 2025
Canada’s Express Entry program is poised for expansion in the coming year. IRCC’s recently announced Immigration Levels Plan outlines an ambitious goal to welcome 124,680 Express Entry candidates in 2025.
Of these, over 82,000 admissions will focus on a newly introduced “In-Canada Focus” category, primarily encompassing CEC applicants but also including those from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and enhanced PNP streams.
The remaining 41,700 PR spots will be allocated under the “Federal Economic Priorities” category. This pathway emphasizes professionals with expertise in high-demand fields, addressing labor market needs across Canada.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system for managing applications under three key economic programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Applicants are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
Additional points may be granted for Canadian education or work experience, a sibling living in Canada, or applying with a spouse or common-law partner. Those with provincial nominations through an enhanced PNP stream can receive an extra 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an ITA.
Recent Express Entry Highlights
Below is a summary of recent draws showcasing Canada’s diverse pathways for skilled immigration:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 20 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,000 | 463 |
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
| November 15 | French Proficiency | 800 | 478 |
| October 23 | Trade Occupations | 1,800 | 433 |
| October 9 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
| July 5 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
Take the Next Step
Canada’s Express Entry system offers unparalleled opportunities for skilled professionals to achieve permanent residency. Start your journey with a Free Express Entry Assessment today to explore your eligibility.
