Canada has conducted a new Express Entry draw aimed at candidates with skills and experience in healthcare and social services occupations, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates on October 15. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 472 points, two higher than the previous PNP draw on August 19, which also issued 2,500 ITAs.
These are the occupations targeted through healthcare and social services draws:
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
- Audiologists and speech language pathologists (31112)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
- Chiropractors (31201)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
- Dentists (31110)
- Dieticians and nutritionists (31121)
- General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
- Licensed practical nurses (32101)
- Massage therapists (32201)
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
- Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
- Medical radiation technologists (32121)
- Medical sonographers (32122)
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (33102)
- Nurse practitioners (31302)
- Nursing coordinators and supervisors (31300)
- Occupational therapists (31203)
- Optometrists (31111)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (31209)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
- Paramedical occupations (32102)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103)
- Pharmacy technicians (32124)
- Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (31303)
- Physiotherapists (31202)
- Psychologists (31200)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
- Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
- Social and community service workers (42201)
- Social workers (41300)
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)
- Specialists in surgery (31101)
- Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
- Veterinarians (31103)
The most recent draw before October 15 was for Provincial Nominee Program candidates, issuing 345 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 778 on October 14.
So far in 2025, the following draws have been conducted:
- 19 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- Six French language proficiency draws
- Two draws targeted at education occupations
- Five draws targeted at healthcare and social services occupations
- One draw targeted at trade occupations
In 2024, Canada conducted the following draws:
- Nine all-program draws
- 11 draws targeted at French speakers
- One draw targeted at transport jobs
- One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
- One draw targeted at STEM occupations
- 14 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- Two draws targeted at trade occupations
Canada has now issued 73,216 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025 after issuing 98,903 in 2024.
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on May 12, 2025 at 7.17pm EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 43rd round of invitations under Express Entry in 2025 and the 373rd overall.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
Resources:
Immigration.ca News Articles: A daily news source outlining the latest developments in immigration, employment and the economy.
