On 14 November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under its category-based Express Entry draw for health and social-services occupations. The draw, made public on 18 November, set the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off at 462—one of the lowest healthcare thresholds this year.
Officials say the targeted draw responds to chronic shortages among nurses, doctors, social workers and allied health professionals across Canada’s provinces. The 37 eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes range from family physicians and pharmacists to community-service workers and paramedics. Successful candidates now have 60 days to submit full applications; current processing times hover between six and eight months.
![IRCC invites 3,500 health & social-care professionals for permanent residence]()
For employers, the draw is welcome news. Hospitals in Ontario and British Columbia report vacancy rates above 10 per cent in critical-care units, while long-term-care facilities in Atlantic Canada struggle to staff evening shifts. Recruiters advise sponsored candidates to gather proof of licensure early, as regulatory authorities in nursing and medicine are under heavy load.
The draw also reflects the Trudeau government’s recalibrated immigration strategy: while overall permanent-resident targets have inched down, Ottawa is prioritising sectors that support economic resilience and public health. Observers expect another healthcare-specific round before year-end, potentially focused on francophone professionals to meet French-language targets outside Quebec.
Officials say the targeted draw responds to chronic shortages among nurses, doctors, social workers and allied health professionals across Canada’s provinces. The 37 eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes range from family physicians and pharmacists to community-service workers and paramedics. Successful candidates now have 60 days to submit full applications; current processing times hover between six and eight months.
For employers, the draw is welcome news. Hospitals in Ontario and British Columbia report vacancy rates above 10 per cent in critical-care units, while long-term-care facilities in Atlantic Canada struggle to staff evening shifts. Recruiters advise sponsored candidates to gather proof of licensure early, as regulatory authorities in nursing and medicine are under heavy load.
The draw also reflects the Trudeau government’s recalibrated immigration strategy: while overall permanent-resident targets have inched down, Ottawa is prioritising sectors that support economic resilience and public health. Observers expect another healthcare-specific round before year-end, potentially focused on francophone professionals to meet French-language targets outside Quebec.
