Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,000 invitations in a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (2026-Version 3) category.
The draw took place on June 25, 2026, at 13:51:43 UTC.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation was 475, while the tie-breaking rule was May 21, 2026, at 12:14:09 UTC.
This means candidates with a CRS score of 475 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time to receive an invitation.
What the Latest Draw Means for Applicants
The latest round was a category-based Express Entry draw, meaning invitations were issued specifically to candidates with eligible work experience in healthcare and social services occupations.
Unlike general Express Entry draws, category-based rounds target candidates whose occupations support Canada’s labour market and long-term economic priorities.
For eligible healthcare and social services professionals, this draw provides another opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
Who Was Eligible for This Draw?
To be considered for this category-based draw, candidates needed to meet the eligibility requirements for one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry and qualify for the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category.
Under the Ministerial Instructions, eligible candidates must have acquired at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, within the previous three years in an eligible healthcare or social services occupation.
During that period of work experience, applicants must also have performed the lead statement and a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential duties, for their occupation as described under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
The Ministerial Instructions also confirm that unauthorized work performed in Canada cannot be counted toward the required work experience for this category.
Why This Draw Is Important
The Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category was established to support Canada’s long-term economic goals by helping address ongoing labour shortages in essential healthcare and social services professions.
The latest draw demonstrates Canada’s continued use of category-based selection to invite candidates whose skills and work experience align with sectors experiencing sustained demand.
For eligible applicants working in healthcare and social services, category-based draws may provide additional opportunities to receive an invitation compared to waiting only for general Express Entry rounds.
Programs Included in This Draw
According to the Ministerial Instructions, Eligible candidates in this category-based draw could receive invitations through one of the three immigration programs managed under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
To receive an invitation, applicants must first be eligible for one of these Express Entry programs and also meet the requirements for the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category.
The Role of Sehli Global
Category-based Express Entry draws require applicants to meet both the general Express Entry requirements and the eligibility criteria for the selected occupation category.
As a licensed RCIC Canada immigration consultancy, Sehli Global helps applicants assess their eligibility, determine whether their work experience qualifies under category-based draws, prepare Express Entry applications, and submit Permanent Residency applications based on their individual circumstances.
Applicants seeking professional support with Express Entry or category-based Permanent Residency applications can book a consultation with Sehli Global.
Conclusion
IRCC’s latest Express Entry draw issued 4,000 invitations to eligible candidates under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (2026-Version 3) category on June 25, 2026.
With a CRS cut-off score of 475, the draw continues Canada’s targeted approach to selecting skilled workers in occupations that support the country’s long-term labour market needs.
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