Healthcare services in Canada are in dire need of healthcare professionals, be they nurses, dentists, medical sonographers, and the list goes on. Canada recently hosted its first healthcare professional draw of the year for category-based selection in May

Category-based draws invite applications in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category to meet identified economic goals. 

Canada has retained its position as the prime destination for immigration purposes. The recent draw was made under the express entry process for category-based draws, which includes several other categories such as

●     French-language proficiency

●     Education occupations

●     Healthcare and social service occupations

●     STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)

●     Agriculture and agri-food occupations

●     Trade occupations

Out of all these categories, healthcare and social service occupations have made headlines all across the globe, embarking the healthcare sector as a prominent sector in the economic scenario.

The Current Scenario

Presently, 500 healthcare professionals are invited by the Canadian Government through the express entry pool. Citing the date of the draw, May 02, 2025, securing 500 invitations issued, placing 510 as the minimum CRS score. There is a significant increase this year, placing CRS 463 in 2024.

To maximize the chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA), here are 5 essential steps you must take before the next draw.

1. Check the Eligible Occupation for the Healthcare Category

In this process, you must watch for National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 codes that the IRCC has listed. A list of eligible NOCs are classified below:

2. Validate Your Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)

To qualify, you need to validate your credentials from approved organizations such as ICES, WES, and CES. By credentials, they mean that education must be according to Canadian standards.

Primarily, you need an ECA if you have completed your education outside of Canada to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program or Express Entry. 

Still confused about ECA? Province Immigration is here to help you.

3.   Take an Approved Language Test

Language has been ranked above all the credits required for the immigration process. It holds the maximum points, 28 points. Its importance is undeniable. Even if you have fluent English-speaking skills, you still need to get assessed by IRCC-approved tests in English, such as IELTS or TEF for French.

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 9 or above grants you the maximum points, and if you have been skilled in both languages, it would be an added advantage.

4. Create Your Express Entry Profile

The moment you evaluate your ECA process and have received your language score, create your Express Entry Profile. Be sure to select all the legitimate details and documents to your secure account. Once you have created your profile, be sure you complete it in 60 days; otherwise, you have to go through the entire process again.

5.   Countdown Your Work Experience

Your work experience plays an important role in eligibility and scoring CRS points. So, start revaluing your work experience mentioned according to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. Generally, the work experience required for the immigration process in the category-based draw is a minimum of 6 months of full-time work within 3 years. 

The above-mentioned chronology will positively invite an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Canada’s requirement for healthcare workers has surged in the past few years. As there is an increase in the demand for healthcare workers, so your preparation should also not take the back seat.

Canada’s category-based draws have pushed the applicant's expectations in attaining permanent residency based on their skill abilities. Grab the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and make Canada your HOME.