Express Entry
Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw #345 for Healthcare Workers Sees Record-High CRS Cut-Off
On May 2, 2025, Canada conducted its Express Entry draw #345, exclusively targeting professionals in the healthcare and social services sector. A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, but what set this draw apart was the unexpectedly high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510, the highest ever recorded for a healthcare-focused draw.
This draw has drawn significant attention among immigration candidates and consultants alike, as it deviates sharply from previous healthcare rounds in terms of both scale and selection score.
Breakdown of the May 2, 2025, Express Entry Draw #345
The draw was a category-based round, focusing solely on healthcare and social services professionals. Here are the main details:
- Draw Date: May 2, 2025
- Draw Type: Category-based (Healthcare & Social Services)
- Number of Invitations: 500
- Minimum CRS Score: 510
- Tie-breaking Rule: July 21, 2024, at 04:31:17 UTC
- Next Expected Draw: Provincial Nominee Program draw on May 12, 2025
This was the first healthcare-specific draw of the year, and a sharp contrast to previous rounds held in 2024, both in size and competitiveness.
What’s Different This Time?
Compared to the more generous draws in 2024, this round issued significantly fewer invitations. For context:
- In November 2024, 3,000 healthcare workers were invited with a cut-off score of 463.
- In February 2024, the score dropped to as low as 422.
- By May 2024, 3,500 candidates from the healthcare sector had already received invitations.
So, why did IRCC invite only 500 candidates this time, and with such a high CRS cut-off?
While the IRCC has not provided a formal explanation, it could be adjusting its selection pace for 2025. According to Canada’s annual immigration plan, over 41,000 candidates are expected to be admitted through category-based selections this year — including healthcare, trades, education, and French-speaking streams. Even excluding the French-speaking target (29,325), around 12,375 spots should remain open for other sectors, including healthcare.
As of now, however, IRCC appears to be progressing at a slower-than-anticipated rate.
Who Qualifies for the Healthcare and Social Services Draw?
To be eligible for an invitation under this category-based draw, candidates must first qualify for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Additionally, candidates must:
- Meet the minimum CRS cut-off for the round
- Satisfy tie-breaking conditions
- Have at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in an eligible healthcare or social services occupation.
It’s important to note that this work experience must be in a single occupation, even if a candidate has worked across multiple healthcare roles.
List of Eligible Occupations
Here are some of the roles considered eligible under this category:
- Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Practical Nurses
- General Practitioners and Family Physicians
- Medical Laboratory Technologists and Sonographers
- Pharmacists, Dentists, and Chiropractors
- Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Massage Therapists
- Social Workers and Community Service Workers
- Psychologists and Counsellors
- Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
- Paramedics, Midwives, and Physician Assistants
If your experience aligns with one of these roles and you meet the additional program requirements, you may be eligible to receive an invitation in future draws.
What to Expect Going Forward
The high CRS cut-off and limited number of invitations in this draw signal a more selective approach from IRCC. Whether this becomes a trend throughout 2025 remains to be seen. However, given Canada’s persistent healthcare labour shortages, more draws in this category are expected.
Candidates with strong profiles and relevant experience should continue to improve their CRS scores and monitor draw trends on the Express Entry tracker. Even with this narrow draw, the healthcare and social services category remains a critical pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
If you’re unsure of your CRS score or eligibility, it’s a good time to review your profile. Use CRS calculator to estimate your points. Small changes to your education, language scores, or work experience can make a big difference.
A Strategic Window for Healthcare Professionals in 2025
The May 2025 healthcare and social services draw highlights both opportunity and competition. With a high CRS cut-off of 510 and limited ITAs issued, the draw serves as a reminder that Canada is refining its Express Entry system. But for those in the healthcare field, this remains a top immigration pathway. Stay informed, keep your profile updated, and be ready because the next draw could be your chance to make Canada your new home.
