Express Entry Draw #379: Canada Invites Foreign Nationals to Apply for Permanent Residency with 3,500 New ITAs

Many applicants were watching closely for updates this week, and the wait ended when Canada invited foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry Draw #379. This latest draw brought significant movement for candidates in the Healthcare and Social Services occupations category, offering fresh hope to skilled workers who have been preparing for months to enter the Canadian immigration system.

What Made Express Entry Draw #379 Stand Out?

Express Entry draws in targeted categories have been gaining attention, especially among applicants working in sectors facing national shortages. Draw 379 was no exception. Held on November 14, the round issued 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs), making it one of the largest category-based draws for healthcare and social services professionals in recent months.

The lowest-ranked candidate to receive an invitation held a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. For many aspiring applicants, this cut-off came as a welcome shift, especially compared to earlier rounds that required higher scores.

Understanding the Details Behind the Draw Results

Here are key figures from Express Entry Draw #379:

• Number of invitations issued: 3,500
• CRS cut-off score: 462
• Draw date and time: November 14, 2025 at 11:53:39 UTC
• Tie-breaking rule: Profiles submitted before December 2, 2024 at 22:19:41 UTC

These numbers matter because they determine who qualifies for an ITA. When multiple candidates share the same cut-off score, the tie-breaking rule prioritizes those who submitted their profiles earlier, ensuring fairness in the selection process.

Who Benefited from This Draw?

Canada invites foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency: Healthcare and social services category

This draw targeted applicants with experience in healthcare and social services, reflecting Canada’s continued effort to address labour shortages in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community clinics, and social support programs.

• To qualify under this category, candidates must have:
• At least six months of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a listed occupation
• Completed lead statement duties from the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Performed a substantial portion of the main duties, including all essential duties

These conditions ensure that selected applicants possess hands-on, practical experience that aligns with Canada’s needs.

Comparison With the Previous Category Draw

The previous Healthcare and Social Services draw, held on October 15, invited 2,500 candidates with a cut-off score of 472. By contrast, Draw 379 not only issued 1,000 more ITAs but also produced a lower CRS cut-off, making it more accessible to a wider pool of applicants.

This shift suggests a targeted effort to welcome more skilled workers in key sectors, possibly to support provincial healthcare systems and long-term infrastructure goals.

How CRS Scoring Continues to Influence Applicant Strategy

Many candidates continue to rely on CRS score calculators to estimate their profile strength. Factors such as:

• Language test scores
• Education
• Skilled work experience
• Age
• Additional points for siblings, Canadian education, or arranged employment
• all contribute to one’s ranking.

Because cut-off scores vary with each draw, candidates often work on improving their language scores or gaining additional work experience to increase their chances of receiving an ITA in future rounds.

What This Means for Future Applicants

Draw 379 reinforces a clear trend: Canada is willing to expand invitations in targeted categories when labour demands remain high. Healthcare and social services continue to be national priorities, and applicants in these fields may see more favourable draws moving forward.

For those aiming to enter the Express Entry pool soon, now is an ideal time to ensure documents, test scores, and employment records are ready. With cut-off scores shifting visibly from draw to draw, preparation remains the strongest advantage. With Express Entry Draw #379, Canada invites foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency and opens new doors for skilled workers in essential occupations. As the country continues to strengthen its workforce, this draw offers a promising opportunity for applicants committed to building their future in Canada and contributing to communities that rely on experienced healthcare and social services professionals.