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On 27th February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced sweeping changes to the Express Entry system. Among the most significant updates is expanding the Healthcare category to include social service occupations, giving professionals such as pharmacists, social workers, and dental hygienists a much-improved pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR).
In this overhaul, the IRCC created a new Education category, removed the Transport category, and made numerous adjustments to the occupations listed under the existing categories. With these changes, candidates whose work experience falls under the updated Healthcare and Social Services category now have a better chance to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. The rationale behind category-based draws is straightforward: by focusing on candidates with specific, in-demand skills, Canada aims to address its labour market needs with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) thresholds compared to general or program-specific draws. For instance, general draws in 2024 required CRS scores between 524 and 549, while those for healthcare occupations ranged from 422 to 463—vastly improving the odds for eligible applicants.
Who Qualifies Under the Updated Category?
Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system to define eligible occupations. The updated Healthcare and Social Services category now covers a wide array of roles, including but not limited to:
- Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians (NOC 32104)
- Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 31112)
- Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists (NOC 32123)
- Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
- Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (NOC 32111)
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201) —and many more.
This expanded list also highlights occupations that were newly added in 2025, offering fresh opportunities to professionals who may have previously been outside the traditional healthcare scope.
Determining Your Eligibility
To qualify under this category, applicants must have a minimum of six months of full-time, continuous work experience—or an equivalent amount of part-time work—in one eligible occupation within the last three years. Here’s how you can check if your work experience meets the mark:
- Identify Your NOC Code: Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page and search for your job title or keywords. Make sure to note the TEER number and the corresponding NOC code for accuracy.
- Verify Your Work Duties: Use the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) webpage to review the “main duties” section for your identified NOC code. Your work experience should align substantially with the tasks and responsibilities described.
- Check Express Entry Eligibility: Finally, visit the Express Entry category-based selection page and verify whether your occupation—and its NOC code—is listed under the updated Healthcare and Social Services category.
A Strategic Advantage for Canadian PR Aspirants
The introduction of category-specific draws is creating a more accessible pathway for skilled professionals. By targeting occupations in high demand, such as healthcare and social services, IRCC allows candidates to secure an ITA even with CRS scores that might be considered too low under the general draws. This strategic move recognizes the value of these professionals in meeting Canada's economic and social needs.
Express Entry itself is designed to rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Once invited, candidates have 60 days to submit their complete PR application. This streamlined process, bolstered by the new category-based draws, opens up fresh opportunities for individuals eager to make Canada their new home.
What’s Next?
In addition to the Healthcare and Social Services category, this year, IRCC has announced five other Express Entry categories: Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Trade, Agriculture and Agri-food; and French-language proficiency. These focused draws are poised to further tailor Canadian immigration to the specific skills required in the country’s dynamic economy.
The modernization of the Express Entry system underscores Canada’s commitment to attracting global talent in key sectors. For professionals in healthcare and social services, these changes could be the turning point in realizing their dream of Canadian permanent residence—a dream that is now more attainable than ever.
For anyone with experience in the eligible fields, it’s a perfect time to check your eligibility and seize the opportunity. With updated rules designed to reward in-demand skills, passionate professionals now have a new avenue to make Canada their new home.
This breakthrough in IRCC policy marks a pivotal moment for skilled professionals across the globe. If you believe your experience aligns with these categories, now is the time to explore Express Entry and take the next step toward achieving permanent residence in Canada.
