On May 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Canada’s second Express Entry draw of May 2025, issuing 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw marked a significant development as it was the inaugural selection under the newly introduced Healthcare and Social Services category, underscoring Canada’s commitment to addressing labour shortages in these critical sectors.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we help corporations, individuals, and families navigate Canada’s immigration pathways with confidence. Here is what you need to know about the latest draw and how it may affect your immigration strategy.

Key Highlights from the May 2, 2025 Draw

• A total of 500 candidates received ITAs.
• 37 National Occupational Classification (NOC) unit groups were considered.
• The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 510.
• In the event of a tie at the lowest score, IRCC used the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time of profile submission.

The introduction of the Healthcare and Social Services category reflects Canada’s strategic approach to immigration, focusing on attracting skilled professionals to sectors experiencing acute labour shortages. This development is particularly beneficial for candidates with experience in health and service-related occupations, as it opens a new pathway to permanent residence.

Who Benefits from the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations Category?

This category targets professionals with experience in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) unit groups:

• Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (NOC 32104)
• Audiologists and speech language pathologists (NOC 31112)
• Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (NOC 32123)
• Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
• Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
• Dentists (NOC 31110)
• Dieticians and nutritionists (NOC 31121)
• General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
• Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
• Massage therapists (NOC 32201)
• Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (NOC 33101)
• Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
• Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
• Medical sonographers (NOC 32122)
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
• Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302)
• Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300)
• Occupational therapists (NOC 31203)
• Optometrists (NOC 31111)
• Other medical technologists and technicians (NOC 32129)
• Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 31209)
• Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (NOC 32109)
• Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
• Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
• Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103)
• Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
• Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (NOC 31303)
• Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
• Psychologists (NOC 31200)
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
• Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (NOC 32103)
• Social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
• Social workers (NOC 41300)
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
• Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
• Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301)
• Veterinarians (NOC 31103)

Understanding the CRS and Its Implications

The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Factors such as age, highest level of education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability contribute to a candidate’s CRS score. A higher CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an ITA. The introduction of category-based draws allows IRCC to select candidates with specific skills and experience that align with Canada’s labour market needs.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Draws

The inclusion of the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category in the Express Entry draw reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing labour shortages in critical sectors. It is anticipated that future draws will continue to prioritize candidates with experience in high-demand occupations, including healthcare, trades, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Candidates in these sectors are encouraged to ensure their profiles remain up to date and accurately reflect their qualifications and work experience.

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Assist You

Our experienced immigration team understands the nuances of the Express Entry system. If you have experience in healthcare or social services occupations and are interested in applying for Canadian permanent residence, we provide personalized guidance to enhance your application. Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or just beginning your immigration journey, we provide strategic advice tailored to your goals.

We assist with:

• Evaluating your eligibility for Express Entry pathways.
• Optimizing your Express Entry profile to increase your CRS score.
• Preparing and submitting complete and compliant applications.
• Representing you throughout the process to avoid delays or refusals.

Take the Next Step

If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada, Express Entry could be your key to success. Let Zohil-Morton Law help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence. We are here to help you take the next step toward achieving Canadian permanent residence.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, an experienced and trusted immigration lawyer, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca.