Canada continues to recognize the vital contributions of healthcare and social services professionals. On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,500 candidates with recent experience in healthcare and social services occupations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
For foreign nationals currently working in Canada on a temporary work permit, this highlights a key opportunity: transitioning to permanent residence.
Why Healthcare Workers Are in Demand
Canada’s aging population and ongoing labour shortages mean that healthcare professionals—ranging from registered nurses and physicians to social workers and community support staff—remain in critical demand. IRCC has created category-based Express Entry draws specifically for healthcare and social services occupations, providing a streamlined path to permanent residence.
Pathways from Temporary Status to Permanent Residence
If you are a healthcare professional in Canada on a temporary work permit, several immigration pathways are available:
1. Express Entry (Healthcare Category-Based Selection)
-
Eligible if you have at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years in a listed healthcare or social services occupation.
-
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates language ability, education, work experience, and age.
-
Candidates with competitive scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
-
Many provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, have dedicated healthcare streams.
-
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an invitation under Express Entry.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
-
Designed for individuals with at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience.
-
Many healthcare professionals already working in Canada qualify under this category.
Practical Steps for Healthcare Professionals
-
Confirm Your NOC Code
Ensure your job description aligns with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) recognized by IRCC. -
Gather Documentation
Collect employment letters, proof of education, and licensing credentials. -
Maintain Legal Status
Keep your temporary status valid while preparing your permanent residence application. -
Seek Professional Guidance
Immigration rules are technical, and small errors can result in delays or refusals.
Why Act Now?
With CRS cutoffs currently around 470 points in healthcare draws, candidates with strong profiles have a clear opportunity to secure permanent residence【canada.ca】. However, competition remains high, and timing is critical. Submitting a well-prepared application increases your chances of success.
How We Can Help
At Visaserve, we work closely with healthcare professionals to:
-
Assess eligibility under Express Entry and PNPs.
-
Develop strategies to maximize CRS scores.
-
Prepare and submit error-free applications to IRCC.
Our team understands both the urgency and the complexity of moving from temporary status to permanent residence.
Take the Next Step
If you are a healthcare or social services professional in Canada on a temporary work permit, now is the time to explore your permanent residence options.
📞 Book a consultation with Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. today to discuss your pathway from temporary to permanent residence.
You can call us at – +1 905-203-2266 | Or Email us at – info@visaserve.ca
