In a significant move this July, Canada conducted its Express Entry draw #357 targeting healthcare and social service professionals, offering a strong opportunity for those in high-demand medical and community service fields. This draw, held on July 22, 2025, issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum CRS score of 475, marking a noticeable shift in the government’s efforts to address healthcare worker shortages through targeted immigration.

This is the third Express Entry draw in the healthcare and social services category since new occupations were added in early 2025, and it may be one of the most accessible so far.

Why This Express Entry Draw #357 Matters for Healthcare Professionals

Canada’s healthcare and social assistance sectors continue to face an urgent labour gap. In response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is prioritizing skilled workers in this field under the category-based Express Entry draws, giving qualified applicants a faster and more focused pathway to permanent residency.

Here’s What Stood Out in Draw #357

Compared to the previous healthcare draw in June, which required a CRS of 491, this round saw both a decrease in the score and an increase in invitations, making it a notable milestone for healthcare professionals seeking permanent residency.

Eligible Occupations in This Draw

To qualify, applicants must have at least six months of continuous work experience in one of the eligible occupations. The list includes more than 40 roles, such as:

• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses
• Dentists and Dental Hygienists
• Family Physicians and General Practitioners
• Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists and Social Workers
• Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical Technologists, Radiologists, and Sonographers
• Veterinarians and Animal Health Technologists
• Social and Community Service Workers

This draw also includes newly added occupations in 2025, such as counselling therapists, clinical assistants, and other critical support roles, giving more pathways to professionals in both regulated and non-regulated fields.

How to Apply Through the Express Entry System

If you’re a healthcare or social service professional looking to immigrate to Canada, here’s how the Express Entry system works:

1. Create Your Express Entry Profile

You’ll need to submit language test results, educational credential assessments (ECA), work experience, and passport details. Once eligible, your profile will enter the Express Entry pool.

2. Receive Your CRS Score

Your profile is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.

3. Get an ITA in a Category-Based Draw

If your CRS score meets the cut-off for a category-based round, such as healthcare, you may receive an Invitation to Apply even if your score is lower than the general draws.

4. Submit Full Application for PR

After receiving an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with documents like police clearances, reference letters, and medical exams.

What This Means for Future Healthcare Immigration

As Canada shifts toward targeted immigration based on labour market needs, healthcare and social service professionals will likely continue to benefit from lower CRS cut-offs and more frequent draws. The July 2025 Express Entry draw #357 shows that Canada is prioritizing critical sectors, and healthcare is at the heart of this effort. If you work in one of the eligible professions, now may be the perfect time to get your profile ready.

At ImmigCanada, we specialize in helping qualified healthcare workers navigate the Express Entry process from profile creation to final PR approval.

Canada Express Entry Next Draw Prediction

IRCC held the most recent Express Entry draw on July 22, 2025. Based on current trends, the next Express Entry draw is expected on July 23, 2025. Typically, these draws happen every two weeks, often on Wednesdays. However, the timing, CRS score cut-offs, and type of draw may shift depending on key factors like Canada’s labor market, economic needs, and immigration goals set by IRCC.

Healthcare Professionals Are at the Forefront of Canada’s Immigration Strategy

This latest Express Entry draw #357 for healthcare and social service professionals is a powerful indication of Canada’s immigration priorities. With the lowered CRS score and expanded occupational list, qualified workers in this field are being actively welcomed.

If you’re a skilled healthcare or social service worker with experience in one of the eligible occupations, this draw could be your chance to make Canada your permanent home. Don’t miss out, get your Express Entry profile evaluated and submitted now to be ready for upcoming draws. Stay tuned with our Express Entry tracker for regular draw updates.

Let us help you make the most of this opportunity. Contact ImmigCanada to begin your Express Entry journey today!