The Canadian Immigration authority, IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), has made some vital changes in the Express Entry system. This change has increased the chances of healthcare and social service professionals securing permanent residency in Canada. 

This article will provide you with complete information about the policy shift. But before proceeding, let us give you an overview of this newly updated healthcare and social service category. 

Express Entry Healthcare and Social Service category - An Overview 

Express Entry is Canada's main pathway for skilled immigrants to gain permanent residence. It handles applications for three federal economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

To more accurately reflect Canada's changing labor market priorities, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) occasionally revises the system's streams and requirements.

In February 2025, IRCC made significant changes to the Express Entry streams, particularly broadening the Healthcare stream to cover Social Services occupations. 

This broadening is in keeping with Canada's efforts to bolster its healthcare and social support sectors by bringing in qualified professionals from across the globe.

New eligible occupation under the Healthcare and Social Service category 

The revised category now includes a varied list of professions. Interestingly, some professions have been included while others have been excluded to target regions with high demand effectively. Below is a detailed list of the current qualifying occupations:​

• Veterinary Technicians and Animal Health Technologists (NOC 32104)
• Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 31112)
• Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists and Cardiology Technologists (NOC 32123)
• Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
• Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (NOC 32111)
• Dentists (NOC 31110)
• Dietitians and Nutritionists (NOC 31121)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
• Massage Therapists (NOC 32201)
• Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations (NOC 33101)
• Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
• Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 32121)
• Medical Sonographers (NOC 32122)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
• Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
• Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (NOC 31300)
• Occupational Therapists (NOC 31203)
• Optometrists (NOC 31111)
• Other Medical Technologists and Technicians (NOC 32129)
• Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating (NOC 31209)
• Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment (NOC 32109)
• Paramedical Occupations (NOC 32102)
• Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
• Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
• Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)
• Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NOC 31303)
• Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
• Psychologists (NOC 31200)
• Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists (NOC 32103)
• Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)
• Social Workers (NOC 41300)
• Specialists in Laboratory Medicine and Clinical (NOC 31100)
• Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)
• Related Specialized Therapies and Therapists in Counselling (NOC 41301)
• Veterinarians (NOC 31103)

The addition of Social Workers (NOC 41300) and Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201) reflects the increased emphasis placed on social services in the healthcare category. The additions are designed to enhance Canada's ability to deliver comprehensive social support services.​

On the other hand, some jobs have been deleted from the list to simplify the process of choosing and target fields where there is the greatest need. The following deletions are particularly worth mentioning:​

• Educational Counsellors (NOC 41320)
• Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203)
• Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment and Kinesiologists (NOC 31204)
• Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services (NOC 33109)
• Other Practitioners of Natural Healing (NOC 32209)
• Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (NOC 32200)

These changes represent an effort by IRCC to advance occupations that are key to Canada's health care and social service infrastructure.

Eligibility criteria for the updated category

To receive an invitation to apply for the updated healthcare and social service category, candidates are required to fulfill the following criteria: 

• Program Eligibility: Candidates have to be qualified under one of the three major Express Entry programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): Designed for foreign work-experienced skilled workers.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For qualified tradespeople.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For Canadian work-experience workers.

• Work Experience: Must have at least six continuous months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in one of the listed occupations within the past three years. Such work experience should be in one occupation only; the knowledge gained in more than one occupation cannot be combined as per this rule.​
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: The candidate must meet or exceed the minimum CRS score threshold for the specific draw. The CRS score is a points-based ranking system that assesses the applicant's age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

It should be noted that this does not necessarily mean an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. 

Ways to apply for Express Entry through this category 

To apply for the express entry system, candidates are required to follow the following steps:

• Step 1: Find out your eligibility

Make sure you qualify for one of the Express Entry streams before you apply. Estimate your score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator.

• Step 2: Make an Express Entry profile

Apply online through the IRCC website. Provide complete and accurate information about your education, work experience, and language test results. Choose the Healthcare and Social Services category if you possess experience in the same.

• Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your profile qualifies under the category and is appropriately ranked in the CRS score, you can be invited during a category-based selection draw.

You will have 60 days to provide all the supporting documents, such as proof of work experience, education credentials, and police clearance certificates.

• Step 4: File your final application & wait for approval

After you submit your application, IRCC will review it and, if approved, issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Processing times for category-based selections are generally faster than traditional Express Entry draws since they target high-demand occupations.

Conclusion 

With Canada's updated Express Entry draw for healthcare and social service professionals, there is never a better time to apply for the Canada PR visa. You just need to meet the eligibility criteria, create your Express Entry profile, and get the Invitation to apply. 

To know more details about these updates, reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.