Express Entry for Healthcare Workers: Category-Based Draws Explained

Aug 30, 2024

As a healthcare worker seeking permanent residency in Canada, you may be wondering about the most effective pathways to achieve your goal. Express Entry, Canada's online system for managing skilled worker applications, has introduced category-based draws that specifically target healthcare professionals. These draws provide a streamlined and expedited route to permanent residency for those with the skills and experience Canada urgently needs.


In this article, we'll delve into the details of Express Entry category-based draws for healthcare workers, explaining how they work, the eligibility criteria, and the benefits they offer. We'll also explore the draws conducted to date, the application process, and the future outlook for healthcare workers seeking to make Canada their permanent home.


What are Category-Based Express Entry Draws for Healthcare Workers?

  • Category-based Express Entry draws target candidates with specific work experience, such as in the healthcare sector

  • These draws invite top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the category-based selection criteria

  • Healthcare draws aim to address Canada's critical need for healthcare professionals by prioritizing their permanent residency applications

Eligibility for Express Entry Healthcare Draws 

  • To be eligible, candidates must have at least 6 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the last 3 years in an eligible healthcare occupation

  • Eligible occupations include nurses, medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and various technical and assisting roles in healthcare

  • Candidates must also meet the general Express Entry eligibility criteria and have an active profile in the Express Entry pool

Express Entry Healthcare Draws to Date

  • Canada began holding healthcare draws in June 2023 

  • As of September 2024, there have been three healthcare-specific draws, inviting a total of 11,350 candidates

  • The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in these draws has ranged from 422 to 476, lower than the average scores in all-program draws

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Healthcare Professional in 2024

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to apply for permanent residency as a healthcare professional through the Express Entry's Category-Based Draw Stream. By following these steps, you can navigate the application process with confidence and increase your chances of success.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before embarking on your journey to permanent residency, ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Express Entry. This includes having the required work experience, education, and language proficiency. As a healthcare professional, you must have at least six months of continuous work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years to qualify for the Category-Based Draw Stream.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, submit your profile into the Express Entry pool. Provide detailed information about your work experience, education, and language skills. Strive to achieve a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, as this will increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you are under 38 years old and possess strong English language skills, your CRS score will be highly competitive.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather all the necessary documents to support your application, including proof of work experience, educational credentials (obtaining your transcripts and diplomas, getting your degree accredited through WES), and language test results. Double-check that your documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any delays in processing your application.

Step 4: Monitor Express Entry Rounds

Stay informed about the latest express entry rounds for category-based selections. Healthcare professionals are given priority in these draws, which can significantly impact your chances of receiving an ITA. Keep an eye out for updates and be prepared to act quickly when the opportunity arises.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you meet the criteria and have a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA during one of the healthcare-specific draws. When you receive an ITA, respond promptly by submitting a complete application for permanent residency. Ensure that you provide all the required documentation and pay the necessary fees to avoid any setbacks in the process.

Step 6: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residency

Once you have received an ITA, it's time to submit your complete application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Double-check that you have included all the required documents and that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. The goal is to process applications within six months, so ensuring the completeness and accuracy of your submission can help expedite the process.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Improve Your CRS Score

If you haven't received an ITA yet, consider ways to improve your CRS score. This may include obtaining additional qualifications, taking language tests to demonstrate higher proficiency (or trying different language tests that are recognized by the IRCC, such as CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE) or gaining more relevant work experience. By boosting your CRS score, you increase your chances of being selected in a healthcare-specific Express Entry draw.

2. Stay Informed About the Next Healthcare Draw Date

Keep yourself updated on the next healthcare draw date by regularly checking the official IRCC website, which will help you to understand its CRS trajectory, and prepare your application accordingly, ensuring that you are ready to submit when the opportunity arises.

3. Utilize Professional Guidance

Navigating the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming. Consider seeking advice from immigration professionals who specialize in healthcare immigration programs to streamline the process and increase your chances of success. Permanent Residency applications require meticulous attention to detail, as even a minor mistake can lead to the refusal or cancellation of your hard-earned ITA. Engaging the services of a competent immigration lawyer can help you prepare a strong, error-free application, minimizing the risk of setbacks and ensuring a smoother path to your new life in Canada.


As you embark on your journey to permanent residency in Canada as a healthcare professional, remember that you don't have to go through this process alone. Blacksy Immigration Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your application is strong, complete, and optimized for success. Book a Strategy Call with us today, and let's work together to turn your dream of a thriving healthcare career in Canada into a reality.


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About the Author


I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 


At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.


Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.


Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.