Express Entry
Express Entry Draw #422 Issues 4,000 Invitations as Canada Continues Healthcare Hiring Push
Canada has held another targeted immigration round, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in Express Entry Draw #422 for candidates working in healthcare and social services. The draw, held on June 25, 2026, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475, making it the second healthcare-specific selection round of the year.
While the numbers are important, the bigger story is what this draw reveals about Canada’s immigration priorities. Over the past several months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has consistently focused on occupations that support long-term labour shortages rather than conducting only general invitation rounds. Healthcare continues to be one of the country’s highest priorities.
Draw Highlights
| Details | Information |
| Draw Number | #422 |
| Date | June 25, 2026 |
| Category | Healthcare and Social Services |
| Invitations Issued | 4,000 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 475 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | May 21, 2026 at 12:14 p.m. UTC |
Candidates needed to meet both the CRS requirement and satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Healthcare and Social Services category.
Why Healthcare Continues to Receive Priority
Canada’s healthcare system continues to face labour shortages across multiple professions.
The federal government has repeatedly identified healthcare as one of the country’s most critical workforce needs through both Express Entry and provincial immigration programs.
This year’s targeted draws demonstrate that IRCC is prioritizing candidates who can fill positions such as:
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Physicians
- Pharmacists
- Medical laboratory professionals
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Personal support workers
- Other eligible healthcare occupations
Rather than inviting candidates solely based on CRS scores, category-based selection allows Canada to invite professionals whose skills directly support economic priorities.
CRS Increased Since February – Should Candidates Be Concerned?
The first Healthcare and Social Services draw held earlier this year invited candidates with a CRS score of 467.
This latest round required 475 points, representing an increase of eight CRS points.
A higher CRS cut-off does not necessarily mean healthcare draws are becoming less accessible. CRS scores fluctuate depending on:
- Number of eligible candidates
- Draw size
- Profile quality
- Competition within the category
With another 4,000 invitations issued, healthcare remains one of the largest targeted categories in Express Entry.
Express Entry in 2026 Shows a Clear Pattern
Looking beyond one draw, IRCC’s 2026 invitation strategy has become increasingly focused.
So far this year, invitations have largely been issued through:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
- Trades
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience
General all-program draws have remained absent, signalling that Canada continues to use category-based selection to meet labour market needs.
More Than 89,000 Invitations Issued in 2026
With this latest round, IRCC has now issued 89,067 Invitations to Apply through Express Entry in 2026.
Invitation totals include:
- Canadian Experience Class: 41,250
- French-language proficiency: 30,500
- Healthcare and Social Services: 8,000
- Provincial Nominee Program: 5,405
- Trades: 3,000
- Physicians: 662
- Senior Managers: 250
These figures show that candidates already working in Canada or possessing in-demand skills continue to receive the greatest share of invitations.
What Healthcare Candidates Should Do Next
If you work in an eligible healthcare occupation but were not invited, now is a good time to review your profile.
Consider:
- Updating recent work experience
- Improving language test scores
- Ensuring Educational Credential Assessments remain valid
- Reviewing whether your occupation qualifies under the healthcare category
- Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs for additional CRS points
Small profile improvements can significantly improve competitiveness in future category-based draws.
Looking Ahead
This draw reinforces Canada’s long-term immigration strategy rather than representing a one-time recruitment effort.
Healthcare workers continue to be among the most sought-after skilled professionals in the country. With population growth, an aging workforce, and ongoing healthcare demands, category-based invitations are expected to remain an important part of Express Entry throughout 2026.
For healthcare professionals planning permanent residence, keeping an active and up-to-date Express Entry profile remains essential as additional targeted draws are expected throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many invitations were issued in Express Entry Draw #422?
IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Healthcare and Social Services category.
2. What was the CRS score required in the June 25, 2026 draw?
Candidates required a minimum CRS score of 475 to receive an invitation.
3. Who was eligible for this healthcare Express Entry draw?
Eligible candidates needed to qualify under the Healthcare and Social Services category, meet the CRS requirement, and have submitted their Express Entry profile before May 21, 2026, at 12:14 p.m. UTC.
4. Why is Canada conducting healthcare-specific Express Entry draws?
Canada continues to address labour shortages in healthcare by prioritizing skilled professionals through category-based Express Entry selection.
5. Will there be more healthcare Express Entry draws in 2026?
While IRCC has not confirmed future dates, healthcare remains one of Canada’s priority immigration categories, making additional targeted draws likely.
