In a significant update for immigration aspirants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw on June 25, 2026. This round focused on candidates in the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category. IRCC invited 4,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 475. In addition, IRCC used a tie-breaking rule for candidates with the same CRS score. The department considered the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles. For this draw, the tie-breaking date was May 21, 2026, at 12:14:09 UTC.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility
Draw Details
- Draw Name: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- Draw Date and Time: June 25, 2026, at 13:51:43 UTC
- Invitations Issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 475
- Rank Required: 4,000 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: May 21, 2026, at 12:14:09 UTC
Candidates with a CRS score of 475 received invitations only if they submitted their Express Entry profiles before the tie-breaking date and time.
About the Healthcare and Social Services Category
The Healthcare and Social Services category targets skilled professionals who can support Canada’s growing healthcare system. Eligible occupations include registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, medical laboratory professionals, personal support workers, and several other healthcare professionals.
Moreover, Canada continues to prioritize healthcare workers through category-based Express Entry draws. This approach helps fill labour shortages and strengthens healthcare services across the country.
What This Draw Means for Applicants
The CRS cut-off of 475 highlights strong demand for healthcare and social services professionals. At the same time, issuing 4,000 ITAs shows Canada’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers in essential occupations.
However, candidates who did not receive an invitation still have several ways to improve their CRS score. They can:
- Improve their language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Gain additional skilled work experience
- Secure a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination
- Complete higher educational qualifications or obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Increase Canadian work experience, where applicable
Steps After Receiving an ITA
Applicants have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Follow these steps:
Accept the ITA: Log in to your IRCC account and accept your invitation.
Prepare Your Documents: Collect employment reference letters, language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), police clearance certificates, proof of funds (if required), and medical examination reports.
Submit Your Application: Upload all required documents carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Wait for Processing: IRCC processes most Express Entry permanent residence applications within about six months.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare and Social Services category-based draws will likely remain an important part of Canada’s immigration strategy throughout 2026. Furthermore, Canada’s demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow. Therefore, skilled workers in this sector have excellent opportunities to receive an invitation through Express Entry.
Meanwhile, candidates should keep their Express Entry profiles updated and continue improving their CRS scores. As a result, they can increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply in future draws.
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