The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have invited 500 healthcare workers to apply for permanent residency, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476.
Canada is facing a significant shortage of healthcare workers, driven by factors such as a low birth rate and an aging population. It is projected that within the next seven years, approximately nine million Canadians will reach retirement age (65), putting increased pressure on the healthcare system.
To address this gap, Canada is actively seeking immigrants to fill critical positions and contribute to the growth of the country's healthcare sector.
On May 31, IRCC introduced a new category-based selection process for Express Entry, which aims to streamline the immigration process for specific occupations. Among the six new categories, healthcare occupations comprise the largest group, with 35 eligible occupations ranging from doctors and nurses to therapists and technicians.
These categories were identified in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders to address the most pressing labor force gaps in the healthcare sector.
Express Entry Draws and Future Expectations
The recent invitation of 500 healthcare workers marks the first category-based selection draw since the introduction of the new categories. It is an encouraging step towards attracting skilled individuals to fill healthcare positions in Canada. Moreover, IRCC has announced a second round of draws, scheduled for July 5, which will invite an additional 1,500 workers to apply.
Furthermore, a draw targeting eligible candidates from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions is expected to take place in the same week. These initiatives demonstrate Canada's commitment to attracting professionals with diverse skill sets and promoting economic growth in key sectors.
Provincial Nominee Programs and Healthcare Draws:
In addition to the federal Express Entry system, several provinces and territories in Canada have implemented their own targeted streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to address the shortage of healthcare professionals.
Canada's category-based selection draws under the Express Entry system represent a significant opportunity for healthcare workers seeking permanent residency in the country. The inclusion of healthcare occupations as the largest group in the new categories demonstrates the urgent need to address the healthcare worker shortage and support the growing demands of an aging population.
With more draws planned and the collaboration between federal and provincial/territorial governments, Canada is taking proactive measures to ensure a strong and sustainable healthcare sector for the future.
Don't Forget, We're Here to Help!
With all the uncertainty surrounding Express Entry, we can assist by reviewing your eligibility, exploring your options, and helping you with packaging a strong and convincing application. Book a Permanent Residency consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants today!