IRCC Issues 3500 ITAs in Category-Based Draw for Healthcare and Social Service Workers with Minimum CRS Score of 462

By Vicky
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new category-based Express Entry draw 379 targeting Healthcare and Social Service Occupations, issuing 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462 to receive an invitation in this round.
This draw marks the latest effort by the Canadian government to prioritize skilled professionals in critical health-related fields as part of its strategy to address nationwide workforce shortages.

Key Details of Express Entry Draw 379

  • Date of draw: November 14, 2025
  • Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2)
  • Minimum CRS score: 462
  • Total ITAs issued: 3,500
  • Tie-breaking rule: December 02, 2024 at 22:19:41 UTC

How This Draw Compares to Previous Healthcare Draws

This draw follows the previous healthcare-focused draw (#373) held on October 15, 2025.

Compared to earlier draws:

  • The CRS score has slightly decreased, improving accessibility for more healthcare professionals.
  • The number of ITAs issued has increased, showing IRCC’s growing prioritization of healthcare talent.

With Canada facing continued staffing shortages in hospitals, long-term care homes, and community organizations, this shift aligns with the country’s long-term immigration goals.

Why This Latest Express Entry Draw 379 Matters

Healthcare remains one of Canada’s most in-demand sectors, with acute shortages in hospitals, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centers, and community service organizations. By releasing more ITAs through category-based selections, IRCC aims to:

  • Speed up recruitment of qualified international healthcare professionals
  • Strengthen Canada’s health and social services workforce
  • Address gaps caused by an aging population and ongoing demand for essential care

The high volume of invitations reflects Canada’s long-term immigration strategy, emphasizing targeted selection to match labour market needs.

How Candidates Are Selected

Express Entry manages applications under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs. Category-based draws focus on candidates with specific skills or experience, allowing IRCC to target priority occupations.

Eligible candidates in healthcare and social service fields must still meet general Express Entry requirements, including:

  • Valid language test results
  • Educational credentials assessment (ECA)
  • Eligible skilled work experience (Minimum 6 months experience in the last 3 years required)
  • A complete Express Entry profile

Once invited, applicants have 60 days to submit a full application for permanent residence.

What to Expect Next

With ongoing labour shortages, experts anticipate continued category-based draws for healthcare and social service occupations through 2025 and beyond. Candidates with experience in nursing, therapy, social work, medical technologists, and related fields stand a strong chance of receiving an invitation in upcoming rounds.

Final Thoughts

Express Entry Draw 379 reinforces Canada’s long-term commitment to welcoming more skilled healthcare and social service professionals. With a lower CRS score and higher number of ITAs, this draw offers a promising window of opportunity for qualified candidates worldwide.

This trend aligns with Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines the government’s strategy to admit a growing number of permanent residents each year to meet labour shortages, strengthen essential sectors, and support economic growth. Healthcare has been identified as one of the top national priorities, and category-based draws like this one directly contribute to Canada’s goal of attracting talent in critical fields.

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