Canada Issues 4,000 Invitations in Largest Healthcare-Focused Express Entry Draw of 2026
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Canada has launched its largest category-based Express Entry draw of the year, issuing 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence to candidates working in healthcare and social services.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) round, which took effect this week, targeted professionals in nursing, allied health, and social assistance occupations. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 467 approximately 20 points above the average for all-program draws so far in 2026 reflecting sustained high demand for Canadian permanent residence among regulated health professionals.
The healthcare-only selection rounds were introduced in mid-2025 to help provinces address persistent labour shortages. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, job vacancies in these sectors remain 45% above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring why Ottawa continues to allocate a significant portion of Express Entry spots to health workers.
Successful candidates now have 60 days to submit full electronic applications. The IRCC aims to finalise 80% of files within six months.
For employers, the draw provides a predictable pipeline of foreign-trained talent who can transition from temporary work permits to permanent status. This offers an important retention advantage at a time when provincial regulators are streamlining foreign-credential recognition. Hospitals and long-term-care facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta—where staffing shortages are most acute are expected to benefit first as invited candidates complete their paperwork.
For healthcare practitioners preparing to relocate before their permanent residence is finalized, professional visa facilitators are offering support services. Platforms such as VisaHQ guide users through eligibility questions, document preparation, and logistics, allowing clinicians to focus on licensure exams and job onboarding rather than administrative details.
Prospective applicants who missed the cut-off have been advised to review their CRS scores for potential quick gains, such as additional language points or securing a provincial nomination.
Canada’s 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan earmarks up to 114,000 Federal High-Skilled admissions this year. Observers expect more targeted draws in health, STEM, and French-language categories in the coming weeks as the IRCC continues its category-based selection strategy to address specific labour market needs.
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