The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended invitations to 500 healthcare workers through the latest Express Entry draw. These candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476.
This draw marks the first category-based selection since introducing the new categories on May 31. A second round is set for July 5, inviting 1,500 healthcare workers to apply.
Expectations for a draw targeting candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions during the same week are high.
Healthcare Occupations and Category-Based Selection
IRCC finalized a new category-based selection for Express Entry on May 31. Healthcare roles comprise the largest group of eligible occupations, totaling 35:
- Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Dieticians and nutritionists
- Education counselors
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
- Kinesiologists and other therapy professionals
- Licensed practical nurses
- Massage therapists, and more.
Other categories include STEM professions, trades, transportation, agriculture, agri-food, and solid French language proficiency.
Canada’s healthcare sector faces a significant worker shortage due to an aging population and low birth rates. About nine million Canadians will reach retirement age within the next seven years, increasing demand for healthcare services.
Statistics Canada data from March 2023 shows 144,500 unfilled healthcare and social assistance positions, constituting 17.7% of all vacancies.
Provinces and territories already conduct draws for healthcare professionals through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Initiatives like Alberta’s Designated Healthcare Pathway aim to address shortages.
The introduction of category-based selection draws in 2023 resulted from changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2022. The selection process aligns with Canada’s economic priorities and aims to promote French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.
Eligible candidates under occupation-specific categories require six months of recent work experience in listed roles in Canada and abroad.
