Canada held Express Entry Draw 345, its first Healthcare and Social Services occupations draw of 2025 on May 2, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The draw saw a minimum CRS score of 510, the highest ever for a healthcare-specific round.
This draw reflects Canada’s ongoing focus on attracting skilled healthcare professionals under the updated occupation list introduced in 2025. With fewer general and PNP draws so far this year, healthcare workers continue to have a strong pathway through category-based selections.
Highlights of Express Entry Draw 345
Key Points of Healthcare and Social Services Draw (Version 2)
| Draw Type | Category-based draw for Healthcare and Social Services occupations |
| Number of Invitations Issued | 500 |
| Date and Time of Round | May 02, 2025 at 16:14:46 UTC |
| CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited | 510 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | July 21, 2024 at 04:31:17 UTC |
Targeted Draws Reflect Growing Demand for Healthcare Workers
Despite a smaller number of invitations, Canada continues to prioritize healthcare professionals as part of its commitment to addressing sectoral needs. While this round was smaller than previous years, it demonstrates Canada’s strategic approach to filling critical healthcare roles with skilled professionals.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a healthcare and social services draw, candidates must meet the requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, FST, or CEC), achieve the CRS cut-off, and have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in one eligible occupation, such as nurses, doctors, social workers, physiotherapists, or medical technologists within the last 3 years.
Updated 2025 Express Entry Draw Trends
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
Healthcare Occupation Draws: A Pathway to Canada
Healthcare professionals continue to be a top priority in Canada’s immigration strategy, with targeted Express Entry draws offering strong opportunities for those in the sector. As the country addresses growing demand in healthcare and social services, candidates with relevant experience are well-positioned to benefit from these specialized draws. With a clear focus on welcoming skilled talent, healthcare workers have a promising route to permanent residence in Canada.