Canada invites healthcare workers and social workers through Express Entry

Invitations were sent to 3,500 healthcare and social services professionals.

On September 4, 2026, Express Entry held a category-based draw for healthcare and social services professionals. A total of 3,500 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence.

The minimum score was 475 — the same as in the previous draw on June 25. An exact match down to a single point after a more than two-month gap is quite unusual. The number of invitations, however, dropped by 500 — from 4,000 to 3,500.

This was actually the second healthcare-focused draw in two days. The day before, on September 3, Canada held a separate draw for physicians with Canadian work experience, inviting 229 candidates with a minimum score of 198. This back-to-back focus on healthcare draws highlights just how much of a priority this sector is for Canada's immigration strategy.

When multiple candidates have the same score, invitations go first to those who created their profile earliest. In this draw, the tie-breaking date was May 26, 2026.

Invited candidates have 60 days to put together and submit a complete application package, including language test results, educational credentials, and proof of professional experience in the healthcare or social services field.

Use our free CRS score calculator to check your score and see where you stand.

Who qualifies for healthcare and social services draws

This category covers a wide range of occupations, including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, lab technicians, X-ray technologists, psychologists, social workers, family counselors, and more. Unlike the narrower physician-specific category, the minimum score here is higher — but the range of eligible professions is much broader.

To be eligible, candidates need at least six months of continuous work experience in one of the qualifying occupations within the past three years. That experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad, which means this category is open to people who haven't yet worked in Canada.

If your background is in healthcare or social services and you're thinking about moving to Canada, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to go over credential recognition requirements and find the best pathway for your situation.