Canada continues its focused recruitment of healthcare professionals with the third Express Entry draw of December 2025, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates working in critical healthcare and social services roles.
Held on December 11, this category-specific draw marks another significant step in addressing the country’s ongoing healthcare workforce shortage. For skilled professionals in medical and social service fields, understanding these draws could be your pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
December Draw Details: What You Need to Know
The latest healthcare-focused Express Entry round invited candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476 points. This represents a 14-point increase from the previous healthcare draw conducted on November 14, 2025, which had a cutoff of 462 points.
The tie-breaking rule applied to candidates who submitted their profiles before November 26, 2025, at 07:44:30 UTC. This means if multiple candidates held the same CRS score at the cutoff threshold, those who created their profiles earlier received priority.
Healthcare Draws Throughout 2025: A Complete Overview
Healthcare professionals have been among the most consistently invited candidates throughout 2025. The sector has seen seven dedicated draws this year, distributing a total of 14,500 invitations.
2025 Healthcare Express Entry Draws:
- December 11: 1,000 ITAs at CRS 476
- November 14: 3,500 ITAs at CRS 462
- October 15: 2,500 ITAs at CRS 472
- August 19: 2,500 ITAs at CRS 470
- July 22: 4,000 ITAs at CRS 475
- June 4: 500 ITAs at CRS 504
- May 2: 500 ITAs at CRS 510
The CRS score range has fluctuated between 462 and 510 throughout the year, with invitation volumes varying from 500 to 4,000 depending on labor market demands and immigration targets.
Who Qualifies for Healthcare Category Draws?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established specific eligibility criteria for healthcare category candidates:
Primary Requirements:
You must possess at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience within the past three years in one of the 37 designated healthcare occupations. Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the equivalent full-time hours.
Crucially, this experience can be gained either in Canada or internationally, broadening opportunities for professionals worldwide.
Additionally, candidates must maintain an active Express Entry profile and meet all standard Express Entry requirements, including language proficiency, education credentials, and other factors that contribute to their CRS score.
The 37 Eligible Healthcare Occupations
Canada’s healthcare category encompasses a wide range of medical and social service professions:
Medical Doctors and Specialists:
- General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
- Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
Nursing Professionals:
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
- Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302)
- Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
- Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300)
Allied Health Professionals:
- Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
- Occupational therapists (NOC 31203)
- Respiratory therapists and clinical perfusionists (NOC 32103)
- Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
Dental Professionals:
- Dentists (NOC 31110)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111)
Diagnostic and Technical Roles:
- Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
- Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
- Medical sonographers (NOC 32122)
- Cardiology technologists (NOC 32123)
Pharmacy Professionals:
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
Mental Health and Social Services:
- Psychologists (NOC 31200)
- Social workers (NOC 41300)
- Social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
- Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301)
Other Healthcare Roles:
- Chiropractors, optometrists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, massage therapists, veterinarians, and various technicians and assistants.
The complete list includes support staff such as nurse aides, medical laboratory assistants, and pharmacy assistants, recognizing that Canada’s healthcare system requires professionals at all levels.
Understanding Your CRS Score and Chances
Your Comprehensive Ranking System score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. This score is calculated based on factors including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional criteria such as Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
With healthcare draws in 2025 ranging from CRS 462 to 510, candidates scoring in the mid-to-high 400s have strong prospects. The fluctuation in cutoff scores reflects changing demand and the number of candidates in the pool at any given time.
To maximize your CRS score, consider improving your language test results, obtaining additional credentials, or gaining more work experience. Even small improvements can make the difference between receiving an ITA or remaining in the pool.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This includes providing supporting documents such as proof of work experience, language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and medical examinations.
Processing times vary, but Express Entry applications are typically processed within six months, making it one of the fastest pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
Looking Ahead: Future Healthcare Draws
Given the persistent healthcare worker shortages across Canada—particularly in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and social support services—more category-specific draws targeting healthcare professionals are highly likely in the coming months.
The frequency and size of these draws demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic immigration. Candidates in eligible occupations should ensure their Express Entry profiles remain active and current to avoid missing future opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals
Canada’s healthcare immigration strategy offers a clear pathway for qualified professionals. With seven draws conducted in 2025 and 14,500 invitations issued specifically to healthcare workers, the opportunities are substantial.
If you work in any of the 37 eligible occupations and can demonstrate the required experience, creating or updating your Express Entry profile should be your immediate priority. Monitor CRS cutoff trends, work on improving your score, and stay informed about upcoming draws.
The December 11 draw’s CRS threshold of 476, while higher than November’s 462, remains accessible for well-qualified candidates. As Canada continues prioritizing healthcare immigration, positioning yourself competitively in the Express Entry pool could lead to your Canadian permanent residence in 2026.
