May 2 Express Entry Draw Targets Healthcare and Social Services

Canada Prioritizes Health Workers in May 2 Express Entry Draw

On May 2, 2025, Canada continued its targeted immigration efforts with an Express Entry draw focused on Healthcare and Social Services occupations, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

This was Round #345 under the Express Entry system and specifically addressed persistent shortages in frontline healthcare and allied health services. The draw reflects Canada’s strategy to fill urgent gaps in its healthcare infrastructure through category-based selection.

Draw Snapshot:

  • Draw date: May 2, 2025

  • Number of invitations issued: 500

  • CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate: 510

  • Tie-breaking rule: July 21, 2024, at 04:31:17 UTC

  • Category: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (Version 2)

  • Eligible programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program

Who Qualified?

To be considered, candidates needed to demonstrate at least six months of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in the last three years in one of 37 eligible healthcare occupations, such as:

  • General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)

  • Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)

  • Dentists (NOC 31110)

  • Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111)

  • Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 31112)

  • Chiropractors (NOC 31201)

  • Massage Therapists (NOC 32201)

  • Dieticians and Nutritionists (NOC 31121)

Applicants must also have carried out the essential and main duties outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) guidelines. Unauthorized work in Canada does not count toward eligibility.

Why This Draw Is Significant

Canada continues to face workforce pressures in healthcare, especially post-pandemic. Provinces are seeking qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals to meet growing demand and ensure accessible care. This targeted draw supports national and provincial strategies to recruit internationally trained professionals.

Whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad, if you meet the eligibility criteria, now is an excellent time to explore your options. Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. has a dedicated team of professionals to guide you through eligibility verification, document preparation, and Express Entry filing.