Express Entry Updates – Healthcare and Social Services Category Expands!

Canada has revamped Express Entry's category-based selection, making it easier for healthcare professionals to secure permanent residency.

IRCC implemented changes facilitating easier permanent residency for social service professionals in Canada. New updates significantly expand eligibility so more skilled workers can contribute directly to Canada's healthcare sector or social services.

What Has Changed?

1. A new category for Education has been introduced, while the Transport category has been removed.
2. The Healthcare category now includes Social Service occupations.
3. More job roles have been added, increasing opportunities for Express Entry candidates.
4. Category-based selection increases PR chances with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-offs.

Who Qualifies for the Updated Healthcare and Social Service Category?

To qualify under this updated category, applicants must:

1. Have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in an eligible occupation within the last three years.
2. Ensure their occupation aligns with Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
3. Meet the criteria of an Express Entry federal program, including Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Complete List of Eligible Occupations

Canada classifies jobs under the NOC system based on roles and responsibilities. Below is the complete list of eligible occupations under the expanded Healthcare and Social Services category. The newly added occupations for 2025 are marked in bold.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Step 1: Identify Your NOC Code

1. Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page.
2. Search for your job title and find the corresponding NOC code.

Step 2: Verify Your Job Description

1. Go to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) page.
2. Compare your job duties with those listed under the NOC system.

Step 3: Confirm Express Entry Category Eligibility

1. Visit the Express Entry category-based selection page.
2. Check if your NOC code is listed under the Healthcare and Social Service occupations.

How Express Entry Categories Improve PR Chances

Category-based draws significantly improve chances of securing permanent residency. Here’s why:

1. Category-based draws typically require somewhat lower CRS scores than general draws overall nowadays. 
2. Applicants in high-demand occupations get invited, which boosts their chances of receiving an Invitation to apply pretty quickly nowadays. 
3. Less competition emerges in category-based draws, which are generally less competitive than overall draws.

Example CRS Score Comparison (2024):

Understanding Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system is designed to select highly skilled foreign nationals for PR. Candidates must qualify under one of the three federal programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

How it works:

1. Submit an Express Entry profile.
2. Receive a CRS score based on age, education, work experience, and language skills.
3. Participate in regular draws to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
4. Apply for PR within 60 days after receiving an ITA.

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