On May 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #345. This was its first healthcare-targeted draw of the year. This category-based draw issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 510—the highest cutoff ever recorded for a healthcare-specific round. Only candidates who had submitted their Express Entry profile before July 21, 2024, at 04:31:17 UTC were considered under the tie-breaking rule.

This draw follows IRCC’s February 2025 expansion of eligible healthcare and social service occupations under Express Entry, reflecting Canada’s focus on addressing sector-specific labour shortages. At Choice Immigration, we help healthcare professionals interpret these updates and adapt their permanent residency strategies accordingly. For many, this latest draw signals renewed opportunity and greater competition in one of the country’s most in-demand immigration categories.

Key Highlights of the Draw

Known as Express Entry Draw #345, this round specifically targeted individuals working in healthcare and social services occupations. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 510, and only those who submitted their profiles before July 21, 2024, at 04:31:17 UTC were considered, by the tie-breaking rule.

The draw follows an important update in February 2025 that expanded the eligible occupations list to include a broader range of social services professionals. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to use category-based draws to address sector-specific labour shortages.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates were considered eligible for this draw if they met the following criteria:

• – Have at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience in a listed healthcare or social services occupation within the past three years.
• – Meet or exceed the CRS cutoff score of 510
• – Submit their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking deadline.

Eligible occupations included Registered Nurses, Physicians, Pharmacists, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Medical Laboratory Technologists, and Occupational Therapists, among others. A full list of approved occupations is available on the IRCC’s official site.

What This Means for Healthcare Applicants

This draw reinforces two major themes: Canada’s strong demand for healthcare professionals and the increasing competitiveness of the Express Entry system. A CRS cutoff of 510—the highest to date for a healthcare-specific draw—signals that applicants must maintain strong, well-rounded profiles.

To remain competitive, healthcare professionals should focus on improving language scores, securing additional certifications, ensuring credentials are accurately assessed, and gaining relevant experience. These actions can enhance CRS scores and improve the chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds.

With healthcare occupations consistently prioritized in category-based draws, candidates must stay proactive. Small updates—like meeting a new language threshold or revising work history—can significantly impact outcomes.

At Choice Immigration, we work with clients to assess readiness, close profile gaps, and develop strategies tailored to healthcare applicants. We encourage reviewing your NOC code, language results, and education equivalency regularly. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to stay ahead in this highly competitive stream.

Strategic Advice from Choice Immigration

This healthcare-targeted draw was competitive, but the strategy moving forward is clear. Update your Express Entry profile, double-check documentation, and stay informed about category-based draw trends.

At Choice Immigration, our Immigration Consultants in Edmonton help you adapt to evolving immigration policies. Whether improving your CRS score, applying for PR Card Renewal in Edmonton, or exploring employer-driven work permit pathways, we can create a personalised action plan that supports your goals.

Healthcare workers are vital to Canada’s future, and IRCC’s actions reflect that. If you’re a qualified healthcare professional considering immigration, now is the time to act.