Canada continues to prioritize skilled professionals in the healthcare and social services sector. In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), marking the second largest healthcare-focused draw of 2025.
This draw, held on August 19, 2025, is another strong signal of Canada’s commitment to filling critical labour shortages in the healthcare sector.
August 19 Healthcare Express Entry Draw – Key Highlights
- Category: Healthcare and social services occupations
- Total ITAs issued: 2,500
- Minimum CRS score: 470
- Tie-breaking rule: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before April 23, 2025, at 8:08 p.m. UTC
With a cut-off score of 470, this draw opens opportunities for skilled workers in healthcare professions such as nurses, doctors, medical technologists, social workers, and caregivers to move one step closer to Canadian permanent residence.
Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2025
The August 19 draw was the fifth Express Entry draw of the month and the second of the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on August 18.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the major draws held this year:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | Healthcare & social services | 2,500 | 470 |
| Aug 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| Aug 8 | French Language Proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| Aug 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| Jul 22 | Healthcare & social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| Jul 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| Jun 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| Jun 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| Mar 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| Feb 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 55,820 ITAs across multiple categories.
Breakdown of Express Entry Selection Trends in 2025
So far this year, IRCC’s issuing of invitations has largely focused on category-based selection and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Here’s how the 2025 draws have been distributed so far:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 15 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 8 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 4 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 4 |
| Education | 1 |
This shift toward targeted occupation categories—particularly healthcare and Francophone immigration—reflects Canada’s focus on addressing acute labour shortages and meeting demographic goals.
Why Healthcare Candidates Are in Demand
Canada’s growing population, aging demographic, and rising demand for healthcare services continue to put pressure on its healthcare system. By prioritizing doctors, nurses, social workers, medical support staff, and caregivers, IRCC aims to ensure that Canadian communities have the workforce they need to provide critical services.
The targeted healthcare draws are also supported by Canada’s Category-Based Express Entry selection strategy, introduced in 2023, which allows the government to carry out special draws for candidates in priority occupations.
Final Thoughts
The August 19, 2025 Express Entry healthcare draw is a significant one—not only because it was the second largest of its kind this year, but also because it highlights Canada’s clear priority: welcoming skilled healthcare professionals to strengthen essential services nationwide.
With 55,000+ ITAs issued in 2025 already, candidates in healthcare, French-language, and Canadian Experience Class categories have some of the best chances of being invited this year.
👉 If you’re a skilled healthcare professional considering Canadian immigration, this may be the perfect time to enter the Express Entry pool, as monthly healthcare draws are now becoming the norm.
