Canada Immigration News Podcast
Canada Immigration News Podcast #88: Express Entry Draw, Upfront Medical Exam Rule, $34M French-Language Health Services, Ontario $70M Workforce Investment
Canada Immigration News Podcast #88 brings you another round of essential updates shaping Canada’s immigration system. This week’s episode covers Express Entry Draw 362 targeting healthcare and social services workers, IRCC’s new upfront medical exam rule for Express Entry applicants, Canada’s $34 million investment in French-language health services to support Francophone immigration, and Ontario’s $70 million workforce investment to protect workers and strengthen the economy. Together, these developments highlight how Canada continues to evolve its immigration system to meet urgent workforce needs and improve settlement opportunities.
Express Entry Draw 362 Focuses on Healthcare and Social Services
On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw 362, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in healthcare and social services. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off was 470, with a tie-break of April 23, 2025. This was the lowest CRS requirement for a healthcare-focused draw so far in 2025, signaling that Canada is prioritizing care professionals in the 470–475 CRS band. Eligible occupations included registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and community service professionals. For many candidates in health and care-related roles, this round provided a faster route to permanent residency.
New Upfront Medical Exam Requirement for Express Entry Applicants
Beginning August 21, 2025, IRCC has introduced a new requirement for most Express Entry applicants: completing an upfront medical exam before submitting a permanent residence application. This policy shift means that medical results must now be included with the initial PR application, reducing delays and ensuring faster processing. While some applicants inside Canada can reuse a recent Immigration Medical Exam (IME) if completed within the last five years, most new applicants will need to schedule an exam with an approved panel physician. This change reflects IRCC’s effort to streamline the process, minimize back-and-forth requests, and deliver quicker decisions for Express Entry candidates.
Canada Invests $34 Million in French-Language Health Services
On August 18, 2025, the Canadian government announced a $34 million investment to expand French-language health services in Ontario. The funding will enhance access to care for Francophone communities, supporting family medicine, community clinics, mental health services, and hospitals. For French-speaking immigrants, access to healthcare in their first official language improves both settlement outcomes and long-term well-being. This initiative also strengthens Canada’s broader Francophone immigration strategy, ensuring that French-speaking newcomers can access services and thrive in their communities. It aligns with ongoing programs such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream and federal category-based draws for Francophone candidates.
Ontario Allocates $70 Million to Protect Workers and Strengthen the Economy
Ontario is also making a significant investment to support its workforce in response to global economic pressures and shifting trade dynamics. The province announced $70 million in funding for two initiatives: Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and the Better Jobs Ontario program. POWER Centres will act as rapid-response hubs for workers facing layoffs, offering job search assistance and retraining resources. Better Jobs Ontario will expand tuition and training support for individuals transitioning into high-demand fields. For newcomers and residents alike, this funding provides opportunities to access training, upskill for the evolving job market, and secure stable employment in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
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The Canada Immigration News Podcast continues to be the trusted source for up-to-date coverage of immigration draws, policy changes, and settlement resources. With more than 2 million subscribers worldwide, our community of future Canadians relies on timely, accurate insights to guide their journey. Subscribe today to the Canada Immigration News Podcast and newsletter to stay ahead of every update that could shape your path to permanent residency in Canada.
