IRCC Holds Express Entry Draw for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations

In a targeted effort to address labor shortages in critical sectors, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a specialized Express Entry draw on June 4, 2025. This draw focused exclusively on candidates with experience in healthcare and social services occupations.

A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates, marking a strategic move to bolster Canada’s healthcare and social services workforce. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 504, reflecting IRCC’s ongoing efforts to balance immigration targets with labor market needs.

This draw is part of a series of targeted Express Entry rounds held in June 2025. Earlier in the month, IRCC also conducted program-specific draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The CEC draw on June 12 invited 3,000 candidates with a CRS score of 529, while the PNP draw on June 10 issued 125 ITAs to candidates with a higher CRS threshold of 784.

These targeted draws highlight IRCC’s adaptability in responding to Canada’s economic and demographic challenges. By focusing on specific occupations and programs, the government aims to ensure that immigration aligns with the country’s labor market demands and regional priorities.

As of mid-June 2025, IRCC has issued over 34,000 ITAs through various Express Entry categories this year, demonstrating a steady commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s growth and prosperity.

Understanding the Express Entry System and Recent Trends

The Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is designed to manage applications for permanent residence through three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Draws are typically held every two weeks, either as general rounds or targeted rounds focusing on specific programs or occupations.

Comparison with Earlier Draws

When comparing the June 10, 2025, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw to previous rounds, a notable trend emerges. In the earlier PNP-specific draw (#346), 277 ITAs were issued with a minimum CRS score of 726. However, the June 10 draw saw a decline in the number of invitations, with only 125 ITAs issued, and a higher CRS threshold of 784. This indicates a more competitive environment for PNP candidates, likely due to recent adjustments in immigration targets and priorities.

Types of Express Entry Draws

IRCC conducts three main types of Express Entry draws:

• General Rounds: These rounds invite the top-ranked candidates in the pool, regardless of their specific program or occupation. They are typically the largest draws and are held regularly.
• Program-Specific Rounds: These rounds target candidates eligible for specific programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). They are designed to address the needs of specific groups or streams within the immigration system.
• Category-Based Rounds: These rounds focus on candidates with specific skills or work experience in targeted occupations. For example, the June 4, 2025, draw targeted healthcare and social services occupations, issuing 500 ITAs to candidates with at least 6 months of experience in 37 eligible occupations.

Key Takeaways from Recent Draws

The recent Express Entry draws in June 2025 highlight several important trends and insights:

• The focus on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) underscores the importance of these pathways for skilled workers. The CEC draw on June 12 invited 3,000 candidates with a CRS score of 529, while the PNP draw on June 10 issued 125 ITAs with a higher CRS threshold of 784.
• The PNP remains a critical pathway for skilled workers, but recent draws have become more competitive. Candidates are encouraged to explore provincial nominee programs to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.
• Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, with targeted draws addressing labor market shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and social services. The June 4 draw, which issued 500 ITAs to candidates with experience in healthcare and social services, is a prime example of this trend.

As IRCC continues to adapt its immigration strategies, candidates are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and to regularly update their profiles in the Express Entry pool to maximize their chances of receiving an ITA.

Conclusion

The recent Express Entry draws in June 2025 demonstrate IRCC’s strategic approach to addressing labor shortages in critical sectors while balancing immigration targets. By conducting targeted draws for healthcare and social services occupations, as well as program-specific rounds for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), IRCC is ensuring that immigration aligns with Canada’s economic and demographic needs. The issuance of over 34,000 ITAs this year highlights Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity. As the Express Entry system continues to evolve, candidates are encouraged to stay informed and adapt their strategies to maximize their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What was the purpose of the Express Entry draw on June 4, 2025?

  The June 4, 2025, draw was a targeted round focusing on candidates with experience in healthcare and social services occupations. It issued 500 ITAs to eligible candidates with a minimum CRS score of 504.

• Why were the CRS scores different in the June 10 and June 12 draws?

  The CRS scores varied because the draws targeted different programs. The June 10 PNP draw required a higher CRS score of 784 due to its competitive nature, while the June 12 CEC draw had a lower threshold of 529.

• What are the types of Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC?

  IRCC conducts three main types of draws: General Rounds, Program-Specific Rounds, and Category-Based Rounds. General Rounds invite top-ranked candidates, Program-Specific Rounds target candidates from specific programs like CEC or PNP, and Category-Based Rounds focus on candidates with experience in targeted occupations.

• How can I stay updated on the latest Express Entry draws and trends?

  To stay informed, candidates should regularly check the official IRCC website, subscribe to immigration news updates, and follow reputable sources for the latest information on Express Entry draws and trends.