Express Entry Healthcare and Social Services (2026)
Category-based Express Entry for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, allied health, and social services workers. Latest Healthcare and Social Services round (Draw #441, Sep 4, 2026): 3,500 ITAs at CRS 475.
Processing
6 months or less
Recent Cutoff
475
Last Draw
3,500 ITAs
Max CRS
1,200 pts
About Healthcare Express Entry
Canada continues to use category-based selection inside Express Entry to invite candidates whose work experience aligns with economic goals. One of those categories is Healthcare and Social Services occupations.
If you are a nurse, physician, pharmacist, allied health professional, or social/community services worker on IRCC's eligible list, you may be invited in a category-based round even when your CRS is below recent all-program or Canadian Experience Class cutoffs — provided you meet both Express Entry program eligibility (FSW, CEC, or FST as applicable) and the Healthcare and Social Services category instructions for that round.
Category rounds do not replace the CRS. IRCC still ranks eligible candidates by CRS and invites from the top down until the round's invitation target is met. Experience must be in a single eligible occupation — not a mix of related NOCs. Physicians with Canadian work experience may also fall under a separate 2026 category; see the physician occupation page for that pathway.
Express Entry category-based draws
How healthcare rounds sit beside French, trades, STEM, physicians, and other targeted Express Entry categories.
Read the full guideKey Benefits
Free CRS Assessment
Find out your CRS score and which Express Entry rounds you could be invited in.
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Eligibility Criteria
Meet these requirements to qualify for Healthcare Express Entry.
Express Entry program eligibility
You must be in the Express Entry pool and eligible for at least one of FSW, CEC, or FST (as applicable). Language, education, proof of funds, and other program rules still apply.
Category work experience (2026)
Within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in a single occupation listed in IRCC's Healthcare and Social Services table. Experience may be in Canada or abroad and does not need to be continuous.
Matching NOC
Your qualifying experience must match the lead statement and main duties of one eligible 2021 NOC code. Similar healthcare work in a different NOC does not count toward this category.
Credentials and licensing
Regulated health professions usually require provincial/territorial licensing separately from PR. Credential assessment and licensing timelines are province- and role-specific.
Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Category eligibility
Lower cutoffsCategory eligibility does not add CRS points by itself. It determines who competes in Healthcare and Social Services rounds, which can clear below recent CEC or all-program cutoffs.
Standard CRS
1200 pointsSame CRS calculation as other Express Entry candidates. Cutoffs change every round.
Provincial nomination
600 pointsA PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points. Many provinces run healthcare-focused streams.
Canadian experience
80 pointsCanadian skilled work experience boosts CRS and can also open the separate physicians-with-Canadian-experience category for eligible doctor NOCs.
Recent Express Entry Draws
Track recent CRS cutoffs to understand your chances.
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Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Healthcare Express Entry.
Confirm your NOC
Match your duties to IRCC's Healthcare and Social Services table (one eligible 2021 NOC). Verify against canada.ca before relying on any unofficial list.
Check program eligibility
Confirm FSW, CEC, or FST eligibility — language tests, ECA if required, work letters, and proof of funds where applicable.
Document 12 months of experience
Gather evidence of 12 months full-time (or equivalent part-time) in one eligible occupation within the last 3 years. Experience need not be continuous; Canada or abroad counts.
Create or update your profile
Submit or update your Express Entry profile so the qualifying occupation and dates are accurate.
Improve CRS and watch rounds
Raise language (including French), education, or Canadian experience, or explore PNP. Use the CRS calculator and monitor Healthcare and Social Services rounds.
Apply after an ITA
If invited, submit a complete permanent residence application within IRCC's deadline (typically 60 days). Licensing for regulated roles is usually separate from PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Healthcare Express Entry
What is the latest CRS score for healthcare?
What is a healthcare category-based Express Entry draw?
Is there a health care draw today?
Is 470 a good CRS score for Express Entry?
Who is eligible for healthcare occupation Express Entry?
Which occupations are most in demand for Express Entry?
What category are healthcare and social services occupations in Express Entry?
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.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.