On May 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a targeted Express Entry draw specifically for individuals working in healthcare and social services occupations. A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in this category-based draw. Candidates required a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510 or higher to receive an invitation. The tie-breaking rule for this round was set at July 21, 2024 at 04:31:17 UTC.
This draw is part of IRCC’s ongoing effort to address labour shortages in critical sectors by issuing invitations through category-based selections. Healthcare and social services are among Canada’s most in-demand sectors, especially with the rising need for doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers across provinces and territories.
📝 Summary of Express Entry Draw #345
| Category | Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2) |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | 345 |
| Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Number of Invitations Issued | 500 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 510 |
| Tie-breaking rule | July 21, 2024 at 04:31:17 UTC |
| Eligible Programs | Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades |
💼 Who Was Eligible for This Draw?
To be considered under this draw, candidates must have had at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the last three years in one of the eligible occupations. The work must have been in a role that meets both the lead statement and main duties (including all essential duties) as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Candidates also needed to meet the criteria of one of the federal immigration programs under the Express Entry system—namely, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
📋 Full List of Eligible NOC Codes for May 2, 2025 Draw
This draw included a wide range of occupations in healthcare, allied health, and social services. Below is the full list of eligible NOC codes and their titles:
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
| 31103 | Veterinarians |
| 31110 | Dentists |
| 31111 | Optometrists |
| 31112 | Audiologists and speech-language pathologists |
| 31120 | Pharmacists |
| 31121 | Dieticians and nutritionists |
| 31200 | Psychologists |
| 31201 | Chiropractors |
| 31202 | Physiotherapists |
| 31203 | Occupational therapists |
| 31209 | Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating |
| 31300 | Nursing coordinators and supervisors |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 31302 | Nurse practitioners |
| 31303 | Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 32102 | Paramedical occupations |
| 32103 | Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
| 32104 | Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
| 32109 | Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
| 32111 | Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
| 32120 | Medical laboratory technologists |
| 32121 | Medical radiation technologists |
| 32122 | Medical sonographers |
| 32123 | Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists |
| 32124 | Pharmacy technicians |
| 32129 | Other medical technologists and technicians |
| 33101 | Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 33103 | Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
| 32201 | Massage therapists |
| 41300 | Social workers |
| 41301 | Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies |
| 42201 | Social and community service workers |
📈 What This Means for Candidates
This draw continues the trend of targeted Express Entry invitations focusing on sectors that are vital to Canada’s economy and well-being. The CRS cutoff score of 510 is on the higher side, indicating strong competition and high-scoring profiles in this pool. However, compared to general draws where CRS scores often exceed 525, this still represents a meaningful opportunity for qualified professionals in these occupations.
Healthcare professionals who were previously waiting on general draws now have a better pathway through category-based selection. Candidates not selected in this round should ensure their NOC codes are correctly entered, profiles are active and up to date, and that all documents related to their job experience meet IRCC’s criteria.
🧭 What Comes Next?
If you received an ITA in this round, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Be sure to prepare documentation such as:
- Proof of employment and reference letters
- Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Police certificates and medical exams (as applicable)
For those not invited, future draws may continue targeting healthcare and social service sectors, so it's worth maintaining a competitive CRS score and ensuring profile accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The May 2, 2025 draw demonstrates Canada’s strong commitment to attracting qualified professionals in essential services. With continued labour shortages in healthcare and a growing demand for social service roles, IRCC is making it easier for international professionals in these sectors to become permanent residents.
If you’re in one of the above occupations and haven’t yet entered the Express Entry pool, now is the time to start. For those already in the pool, stay updated on IRCC draw trends and category selections.
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