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Express Entry Program
Healthcare Express Entry
Canada is actively recruiting healthcare workers to address critical shortages. Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals receive priority in Express Entry category-based draws.
Processing
6 months or less
Recent Cutoff
440
Last Draw
1,000 ITAs
Max CRS
1,200 pts
Program Overview
About Healthcare Express Entry
Canada faces significant healthcare worker shortages, particularly in nursing, primary care, and long-term care. To address this, IRCC conducts category-based draws specifically for healthcare occupations.
Healthcare draws have featured some of the lowest CRS cutoffs among all categories. Registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists, and other healthcare professionals are in high demand across all provinces.
Beyond Express Entry, many provinces offer dedicated PNP streams for healthcare workers, and some waive job offer requirements. Combining Express Entry with provincial programs can maximize your chances of receiving an invitation.
Key Benefits
Lower CRS cutoffs in healthcare draws
High demand across all provinces
Provincial programs for healthcare workers
Fast processing (6 months)
Strong job prospects post-landing
Path to Canadian licensing and practice
Free CRS Assessment
Find out your CRS score and chances of receiving an invitation for Healthcare EE. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Meet these requirements to qualify for Healthcare Express Entry.
Healthcare Occupation
Your primary occupation must be in an eligible healthcare NOC. Includes nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical technologists, and more.
Express Entry Program
Must be eligible under FSW, CEC, or FST (for some healthcare trades). Meet all program requirements.
Work Experience
Sufficient work experience in your healthcare occupation as required by your program (1+ years).
Credentials
Healthcare credentials may need assessment. Some occupations require Canadian licensing (addressed post-landing).
CRS Scoring
Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Category Eligibility
Lower cutoffsHealthcare draws have cutoffs 50-100 points lower than general draws.
Standard CRS
1200 pointsSame CRS calculation. Healthcare occupation enables lower-cutoff draws.
Provincial Nomination
600 pointsMany provinces prioritize healthcare workers in PNP programs.
Canadian Experience
80 pointsHealthcare workers in Canada gain significant CRS from experience.
Draw History
Recent Express Entry Draws
Track recent CRS cutoffs to understand your chances.
January 2026Healthcare
440
CRS Cutoff
1,000 invitations
December 2025Healthcare
430
CRS Cutoff
1,200 invitations
November 2025Healthcare
445
CRS Cutoff
950 invitations
How to Apply
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Healthcare Express Entry.
1
Verify Occupation
Confirm your healthcare occupation is in an eligible NOC for category-based draws.
2
Gather Credentials
Collect educational credentials, professional registrations, and work reference letters.
3
Take Language Test
Complete IELTS, CELPIP, or French equivalent. Higher scores improve CRS.
4
Create Profile
Submit Express Entry profile with healthcare occupation as primary.
5
Consider PNP
Explore provincial healthcare streams for additional pathways or CRS boost.
6
Receive ITA
Healthcare draws have lower cutoffs. When invited, submit within 60 days.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Healthcare Express Entry
What healthcare occupations are eligible?
Eligible occupations include registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, respiratory therapists, and more. Check the current NOC list.
Do I need Canadian licensing?
Not for Express Entry eligibility, but you will need Canadian licensing to practice. Many provinces have pathways to help internationally trained healthcare workers obtain licensing.
What is the typical CRS cutoff for healthcare?
Healthcare draws have had cutoffs ranging from 420 to 470, significantly lower than general draws which often exceed 500.
Can I work while waiting for licensing?
Depending on your occupation and province, you may be able to work in supervised roles, adjacent occupations, or complete bridging programs while pursuing full licensing.
Are care aides included?
Some healthcare support roles are included in healthcare draws. Check the specific NOC codes targeted in recent draws. NOC levels and categories matter.
Ready to Apply for Healthcare EE?
Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants. We'll assess your profile and create a strategy to maximize your CRS score.