Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3

About the Healthcare Category

The Healthcare and Social Services category under Express Entry targets skilled workers with experience in healthcare occupations. Canada faces a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, and this dedicated category provides a faster pathway to permanent residence for qualified healthcare workers.

Healthcare draws typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, and candidates with Canadian healthcare experience are highly valued. This category covers a wide range of occupations from physicians and nurses to dental hygienists and social workers.

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past 3 years in a healthcare occupation listed below.
• Experience can be in Canada or abroad, and does not need to be continuous.
• Must meet all requirements in the instructions for the draw round.

Required Occupations

How to Apply

1. Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
2. Ensure your work experience matches one of the eligible NOC codes listed above.
3. Submit your language test results and get your CRS score.
4. Wait for a healthcare category draw and receive an ITA if your score meets the cutoff.
5. Submit your complete PR application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.