Canada Issues Major Draw for Healthcare PR, Lowers CRS to 462

Kritika Pandey

Updated On Nov 19, 2025

Canada Issues Major Draw for Healthcare PR, Lowers CRS to 462

On November 14, 2025, the Canadian immigration authorities issued 3,500 invitations for healthcare and social care professionals to apply for permanent residency in one of its largest draws for this sector this year. This large draw is part of Canada's ongoing effort to address severe and persistent staff shortages across the country's hospitals, clinics, and community support programs.

The lowest score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for a candidate to receive an invitation in this draw was 462. This score is lower than recent Canadian Experience Class rounds, which had a cut-off around 533, making it easier for overseas and Canadian-based professionals to qualify.

Purpose of Canada's Continued Selection of Healthcare Workers for PR

Canada continues to target healthcare and social services workers due to ongoing staff shortages in emergency care, long-term care, hospitals, diagnostic services, and community organizations that support people with disabilities and newcomers.

The government of Canada focuses on recruiting trained professionals who can quickly integrate into these settings to address urgent workforce needs.

Also Read: Canada Holds Second Largest Healthcare Express Entry Draw of 2025

Eligibility Criteria for the Healthcare and Social Services Category for Canada PR?

To qualify for this draw:

Candidates must have at least six months of full-time or continuous work experience in the past three years.
Candidates need a minimum of one year of skilled work experience to be eligible for Express Entry overall.
Work experience should be in one of the eligible healthcare and social services occupations (gained inside or outside Canada).
The eligible work experience must be completed in a single occupation, even if the primary Express Entry occupation code is different.

List of 37 Eligible Occupations in Healthcare and Social Services for Canada’s Express Entry

Here is the list of eligible healthcare and social services occupations for Canada’s Express Entry draw:

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
Chiropractors
Dental hygienists and dental therapists
Dentists
Dieticians and nutritionists
General practitioners and family physicians
Licensed practical nurses
Massage therapists
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
Medical laboratory technologists
Medical radiation technologists
Medical sonographers
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
Nurse practitioners
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
Occupational therapists
Optometrists
Other medical technologists and technicians
Other professional occupations in health, diagnosing and treating
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
Paramedical occupations
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
Pharmacy technicians
Pharmacists
Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
Physiotherapists
Psychologists
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
Social and community service workers
Social workers
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Specialists in surgery
Therapists in counselling and related specialised therapies
Veterinarians

Also Read: Priority PR Spots in British Columbia PNP for These Healthcare Workers

Next Steps for Selected Candidates

Those who have received an invitation have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Required documentation includes identity proof, police clearance, medical exams, proof of funds if applicable, educational credential assessments, and detailed employment records. Current processing times for Express Entry permanent residence applications are typically six to eight months.

Planning Canada Immigration 2026? Let GetGIS Guide You

Canada’s latest Express Entry draw on November 14, 2025, saw 3,500 invitations issued to healthcare and social services workers at a competitive CRS score of 462, making this one of the largest draws of this year.

For personalized support, CRS improvement strategies, and comprehensive assistance from application to landing, reach out to GetGIS. Our experienced team will help you confidently manage each step of your Canada PR journey in the booming healthcare sector.

Book Your Free Consultation