Why Express Entry Healthcare Category is Crucial for Immigration for Healthcare Professionals
If you are a healthcare professional exploring immigration for healthcare professionals to Canada, there’s good news! Canada’s Express Entry system and several provincial programs are prioritizing healthcare professionals, often inviting applicants with very low Express Entry scores.
The best part? For Express Entry and Ontario’s healthcare streams, you don’t need a job offer or a Canadian license to submit your application. This makes it easier for internationally trained healthcare professionals to start their Canadian immigration journey.
For example, the last Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) round targeting healthcare occupations took place in October 2023, when 3,600 healthcare professionals were invited, and the minimum Express Entry score dropped to 431.
But what about applicants whose scores are below 431? Understanding the importance of the Express Entry healthcare category can help you plan alternative pathways, improve your CRS score, or explore provincial nomination programs tailored for healthcare professionals.
Express Entry Opportunities for Immigration for Healthcare Professionals in 2024
If you are considering immigration for healthcare professionals to Canada, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year. Several provinces are actively inviting healthcare professionals through Express Entry and provincial streams with very low CRS scores, creating excellent opportunities.
Ontario Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream
On February 6, 2024, Ontario invited 2,086 applicants from the Express Entry pool through the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream. All invited candidates held healthcare-related occupations, and the Express Entry scores ranged from 379–430.
This makes it an ideal time for healthcare professionals to enter Express Entry and select Ontario or any province as their preferred destination.
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
British Columbia has also recently invited healthcare professionals in their Express Entry draws. Note that a job offer from a BC employer is required to be eligible.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
In December 2023, the SINP invited 48 applicants from seven in-demand healthcare occupations, offering another pathway for healthcare professionals to secure nomination.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Alberta sent a total of 64 invitations on January 2 and January 16, 2024, to applicants in nine healthcare occupations. These invitations included candidates with job offers in Alberta and a valid professional license, with CRS scores as low as 309 points.
The following 42 occupations were chosen for the Ontario recent draw:
- Managers in health care
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- Specialists in surgery
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Veterinarians
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- Pharmacists
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Chiropractors
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
- Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- Opticians
- Licensed practical nurses
- Paramedical occupations
- Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- Denturists
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- Dental technologists and technicians
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Medical radiation technologists
- Medical sonographers
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Other medical technologists and technicians
- Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
- Massage therapists
- Other practitioners of natural healing
- Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services
When is the next express entry draw for healthcare workers?
Express entry conducts regular draws. At least 2-3 healthcare draws are expected in the year.
Why Express entry draw is delayed?
Express Entry General draws were paused for sometimes during covid. Now there are regular draws, including category specific draws.
What is a good score for express entry Canada?
It really depends on your occupation. If you’re eligible for category specific draws, you may get an invitation to apply with a very low score like in the 300’s. But if you targeting the general category, you’ll need a score of more than 500.
