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In the third category-based Express Entry draw of 2026 under the Healthcare and social services category, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has issued 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) for Canada permanent residence. The latest draw provides another opportunity for eligible healthcare and social services professionals from India to secure better career prospects in the country in 2026.
The latest round of invitations on September 4, 2026 invited a significant number of skilled workers who can actively take part in strengthening Canada’s economy. The targeted draw also highlights Canada’s continued efforts to address critical labour shortage in the country while attracting talented foreign nationals in essential sectors that support long term economic growth.
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Latest Express Entry Draw 2026: Key Highlights
The latest Express Entry round 2026, invites eligible, talented and skilled workers to live, work and stay in one of the strongest economies. IRCC has provided a clear representation to the latest invitation which is as follows:
Draw Date: September 4, 2026
Draw Type: Healthcare and social services
ITAs Issued: 3,500
CRS Score: 475
Profile Created on: created an Express Entry profile before 12:26 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on May 26, 2026
Canada Express Entry 2026: Healthcare and social services category
As earlier mentioned, the latest Express Entry draw marks the third category based selection round of 2026 under the Healthcare and social services category. Through these targeted selections, Canada aims to prioritize skilled workers whose experience aligns with the country’s ongoing workforce requirements, particularly in essential healthcare and social services occupations. However, a clear representation for the Express Entry draws held in 2026 under the Healthcare and social services category are as follows:
Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Score | ITAs Issued |
September 4, 2026 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 3,500 |
June 25, 2026 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 4,000 |
February 20, 2026 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
Who is Eligible for Healthcare and social services category-based selection?
Indian Candidates seeking an invitation under the Healthcare and social services category in 2026, must meet eligibility requirements set by IRCC such as required amount of work experience in an eligible occupation. To be eligible under this category, applicants from India are required to have:
❖ have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience). The work experience mentioned here need not to be continuous
➔ In a single occupation listed in the table below
➔ In Canada or abroad
❖ have a valid Express Entry profile
❖ meet all the eligibility requirements of the Express Entry immigration program
The list of eligible occupations under the Healthcare and social services category are:
Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
Dietitians and nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
Massage therapists | 32201 | 2 |
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 | 3 |
Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 | 2 |
Medical radiation technologists | 32121 | 2 |
Medical sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 | 3 |
Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
Occupational therapists | 31203 | 1 |
Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 | 1 |
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 | 2 |
Paramedical occupations | 32102 | 2 |
Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 | 3 |
Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 | 1 |
Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 | 2 |
Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 | 1 |
Specialists in surgery | 31101 | 1 |
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 | 1 |
Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
Do you have experience in any one of the above listed occupations, if Yes, Book a Free Consultation and get free assessment Now
Express Entry Draws 2026: In-depth Analysis
The latest Express Entry draw under the Healthcare and social services category highlights Canada’s continued effort to address specific labour market needs. Rather than relying solely on general Express Entry draws, IRCC has continued to focus on category-based selections in order to attract eligible candidates whose skills and work experience align with identified economic priorities.
The focus on healthcare and social services is particularly significant because these occupations are closely linked to the essential economic sector of the country. In 2026, IRCC retained the Healthcare and social services category as one of its Express Entry categories, alongside other categories such as French language proficiency, STEM, Trade, Education and Transport.
Occupations such as nurse, dentists, pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Social workers are among some of the eligible occupations who have remained a priority over the years in Canada. Canada’s aim to retain Healthcare and social service workers signals the continued importance of these professionals while strengthening the healthcare sector in the country.
The 475 CRS Score: What is for Prospective Candidates?
The CRS score of 475 provides an important benchmark for prospective candidates from India who are considering better career prospects, building a stable career and securing permanent residency in the country through the Healthcare and social services category. As witnessed, the CRS score has remained consistent over the three draws held thus far in 2026, offering encouragement to candidates whose CRS scores are around this level.
However, the CRS score 475 should not be viewed as a guaranteed score for future invitations as the CRS score is evaluated on certain factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
One of the notable features highlighted under this draw is the decrease in the number of invitations as compared to the previous draws in the year 2026. This is because of the introduction of a new draw category for physicians with Canadian work experience. This being a separate category, the Canadian immigration system thought of pulling some candidates out of the broader healthcare pool. As said earlier, physicians are now being drawn separately, providing ample opportunities to skilled workers to work and stay in Canada.
For prospective Indian applicants, the latest draw therefore provides a useful indication of the level of competitiveness within the Healthcare and social services category. Indian aspirants planning to secure Canada PR through category based selections, having low CRS scores may still improve their chances by taking certain measures such as:
➔ strengthen factors that contribute to the CRS scores
➔ add either English or French as an additional second official language
➔ earn additional work experience either in India or abroad
Lastly, the September 4, 2026 draw marks the 53rd Express Entry selection, with a total of 126,156 ITAs issued in the year 2026. With the issue of a total of 126,156 invitations to apply, Canada has broken down the record of Express Entry draws issued in a year. This draw pushed 2026 past the previous annual ITA record. Prospective immigrants should continue monitoring upcoming Express Entry draws later in the week.
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Well, if you are also a skilled healthcare professional or a skilled social service worker, then this is the right opportunity for you. Get free professional assessment from our experienced immigration consultants and plan your Canada PR journey now. At Province Immigration, you can assess your profile, explore better Canada PR pathways, and get complementary IELTS classes. For more information you can call us at: +919896196762.
