Express Entry Draw #398 Invited 4,000 Healthcare Professionals

Yes. Healthcare workers remain among the most in-demand professionals in Canada. Due to an aging population, increased healthcare utilization, and provincial staffing shortages, Canada continues to prioritize occupations such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, healthcare assistants, and medical technologists. Both federal and provincial governments have aligned immigration selection with labour shortages in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health services. Category-based Express Entry draws targeting healthcare occupations were introduced to address these gaps. In addition, many provinces operate healthcare-specific Provincial Nominee Program streams to accelerate permanent residence for qualified professionals. Demand is particularly strong in rural and northern regions where recruitment challenges are ongoing.

Canada introduced category-based selection under the Express Entry system to prioritize healthcare occupations. Under the authority of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), healthcare professionals can now receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through targeted draws without competing solely on high CRS scores. This is not a separate immigration program but rather a selection category within Express Entry. Additionally, provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba operate healthcare-focused streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs. These targeted approaches aim to fast-track nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals to permanent residence while meeting urgent labour market needs.

CRS cut-off scores for healthcare category-based draws are typically lower than general Express Entry draws. While general draws often exceed 500 CRS points, healthcare-specific rounds have historically ranged lower depending on the number of invitations issued and pool composition. The CRS requirement fluctuates with each draw and depends on factors such as candidate volume, nomination allocations, and immigration targets. Because healthcare draws prioritize occupational eligibility first, qualified candidates with moderate CRS scores may still receive invitations compared to the higher thresholds seen in all-program draws.

Healthcare assistants (often classified under nurse aides or personal support workers) can immigrate through Express Entry if eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class programs. However, many healthcare assistants pursue Provincial Nominee Programs, as provinces frequently target this occupation due to long-term care shortages. Applicants must typically meet language requirements, demonstrate relevant work experience, and in some cases obtain provincial certification or registration. Some provinces require a valid job offer from a healthcare employer before nomination. Once nominated, candidates receive 600 additional CRS points if aligned with Express Entry, significantly increasing their chances of permanent residence.

Healthcare salaries in Canada vary by occupation, province, and experience level. Registered nurses typically earn between CAD $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on region and seniority. Licensed practical nurses and healthcare assistants earn lower but competitive wages, often ranging from CAD $40,000 to $65,000 per year. Physicians and specialized healthcare professionals earn significantly higher incomes. Rural and northern regions may offer wage premiums or signing incentives due to labour shortages. Compensation structures also differ between public healthcare institutions and private facilities.

A healthcare Express Entry draw is a category-based selection round under the federal Express Entry system targeting eligible healthcare occupations. Rather than inviting candidates solely based on the highest CRS scores, these draws prioritize individuals with work experience in designated healthcare National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. This allows Canada to address critical staffing shortages more efficiently. Candidates must still meet eligibility criteria under one of the Express Entry economic programs and maintain an active profile in the pool. If invited, they receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Nurses generally have strong immigration prospects due to high demand across Canada. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are frequently included in healthcare category-based draws and provincial nomination streams. However, “easy” depends on meeting eligibility criteria such as education equivalency, licensing requirements, language proficiency, and work experience. Many provinces require registration with their nursing regulatory body before employment. While immigration pathways are favorable, candidates must still meet federal and provincial standards. Those who obtain a provincial nomination significantly increase their chances of receiving an Express Entry invitation due to the additional CRS points awarded.