Canada Invites 3,500 Healthcare Workers Through Express Entry Program
September 2026 Draw Sets CRS Cut-Off at 475 for Healthcare and Social Services Candidates
Canada's latest immigration draw has put healthcare and social services workers back in the spotlight.
On September 4, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through a category-based Express Entry draw focused on healthcare and social services occupations.
The draw had a CRS cut-off of 475. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 12:26 a.m.The draw information specifies that the cut-off time was Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on May 26, 2026.
For healthcare and social services workers living in Surrey, BC, this announcement may raise an important question:
Could your occupation and immigration profile place you in line for a future Express Entry invitation?
There is no single answer because every candidate's circumstances are different. Occupation, qualifying work history, language ability, education, age, and other CRS factors can all affect a candidate's position in the pool.
The September draw also should not be treated as a permanent CRS benchmark. The cut-off applies to that particular invitation round, while future draws can have different requirements and scores.
For anyone considering the Express Entry Program, keeping track of current draw patterns and reviewing eligibility can be an important part of immigration planning.
September 2026 Healthcare and Social Services Draw
The latest healthcare and social services selection was held on September 4, 2026.
Here are the key figures:
| Detail | September 4, 2026 Draw |
| Draw category | Healthcare and social services |
| Invitations to Apply | 3,500 |
| CRS cut-off | 475 |
| Profile deadline | Before 12:26 a.m. UTC on May 26, 2026 |
The 3,500 invitations represent a significant number of opportunities within one invitation round.
However, a candidate's employment in healthcare or social services does not automatically qualify them for this category. Applicants must meet the applicable requirements and have qualifying work history in an occupation included in the current category.
This is why checking the occupation and NOC classification is important before making assumptions based on a job title.
Why Healthcare Workers Are Watching Express Entry?
Canada has continued to use category-based selection to invite candidates who meet specific labour-market or language priorities.
Healthcare and social services have been among the categories selected during 2026.
The draw history supplied for 2026 shows three healthcare and social services draws:
- February 20: 4,000 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 467
- June 25: 4,000 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 475
- September 4: 3,500 ITAs at a CRS cut-off of 475
Across these three draws, 11,500 ITAs were issued to healthcare and social services candidates.
The figures show why healthcare workers should pay attention to category-based invitations rather than looking only at general Express Entry draws.
A candidate who does not receive an invitation through one type of draw may still need to examine whether another category or immigration pathway applies to their circumstances.
What Is the Express Entry Program?
The Express Entry Program is Canada's online immigration management system for several economic immigration programs.
The system manages applications for:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Eligible candidates create an online Express Entry profile and enter the candidate pool.
Once in the pool, candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score, commonly known as the CRS score.
IRCC can then invite candidates through different types of draws.
These can include:
- General invitation rounds
- Program-specific rounds
- Provincial Nominee Program draws
- Category-based selection rounds
Category-based selection allows IRCC to select candidates who meet criteria connected to specific economic or demographic priorities.
For healthcare and social services workers, this means occupation can become an important part of the immigration profile.
What Does a CRS Score of 475 Mean?
The latest healthcare and social services draw had a CRS cut-off of 475.
This means candidates who received an invitation in that particular round met the applicable requirements and had a CRS score at or above the cut-off, subject to the tie-breaking rule and other requirements.
It does not mean that every future healthcare draw will require 475 points.
CRS cut-offs can move from one draw to another.
The 2026 healthcare draws illustrate this trend:
| Date | Category | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs |
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| June 25 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 4,000 |
| September 4 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 3,500 |
The difference between 467 and 475 demonstrates that the cut-off can change.
Candidates should therefore avoid treating a previous draw score as a guaranteed threshold for the next draw.
Which Healthcare and Social Services Workers May Qualify?
The healthcare and social services category covers a range of occupations.
The current category includes occupations such as:
- Registered nurses
- Registered psychiatric nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Licensed practical nurses
- Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Pharmacy assistants
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Massage therapists
- Medical laboratory technologists
- Medical radiation technologists
- Medical sonographers
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
- Social and community service workers
- Psychologists
- Counsellors and therapists in qualifying occupations
The complete list and requirements can change, so candidates should verify the current IRCC information before submitting an application.
A job title by itself may not establish eligibility.
Your actual duties, work history, and NOC classification can all matter.
Why Your NOC Matters
One of the areas applicants should pay close attention to is the National Occupational Classification, or NOC.
A person may have a healthcare-related job title without necessarily falling under the NOC they expect.
For example, two workers may have similar titles but perform different duties. Their classifications may therefore differ.
When reviewing your immigration profile, look at:
- Your official job title
- Your main employment duties
- Employment dates
- Number of hours worked
- Employer information
- Paid work status
- NOC classification
- Work location
- Supporting employment documents
Your stated work history should be consistent with your supporting documents.
Selecting an occupation incorrectly due to a similar title can lead to issues during the application review.
Work History Requirements for the Healthcare Category
For the 2026 healthcare and social services category, candidates need qualifying work history that meets the current IRCC criteria.
The category requires at least 12 months of full-time work, or an equivalent amount of part-time work, within the previous three years.
The work does not necessarily have to be continuous.
However, candidates still need to satisfy the applicable Express Entry program requirements.
This distinction is important.
Having 12 months of work in a healthcare setting does not automatically make someone eligible for the category. The occupation itself must fall within the current eligible list, and the candidate must meet the requirements connected to their Express Entry program.
How CRS Points Are Calculated ?
The Comprehensive Ranking System considers several factors when assigning points.
These can include:
Age
Age can affect a candidate's CRS score. The scoring system assigns different points depending on the candidate's age.
Education
Educational qualifications can contribute to the CRS score.
Candidates with education completed outside Canada may also need an Educational Credential Assessment where required.
Language Ability
English and French language results can have a significant effect on a candidate's CRS score.
Candidates should ensure their approved language test remains valid when required.
Canadian Work History
Qualifying Canadian work history can contribute to the CRS calculation.
Foreign Work History
Eligible foreign work history can also affect the score in combination with other factors.
Canadian Education
Qualifying Canadian education may contribute additional CRS points.
French-Language Ability
French-language proficiency has also been a major focus of Express Entry selections during 2026.
Provincial Nomination
A provincial nomination can significantly change a candidate's CRS position.
This is one reason candidates in British Columbia should examine both federal and provincial immigration options where applicable.
2026 Express Entry Draws Show Multiple Immigration Priorities
The healthcare draw is only one part of Canada's 2026 Express Entry selection pattern.
Based on the draw information provided, IRCC had conducted 53 Express Entry draws in 2026 following the September 4 healthcare and social services round.
The draw categories included:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 18 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 15 |
| French-language proficiency | 10 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 2 |
| Trades | 1 |
| Transport | 1 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 |
The figures show that Canada's selection system has been using multiple routes rather than relying on one type of invitation round.
For applicants in Surrey, the new system means the immigration strategy should be based on the person's complete profile rather than one draw announcement.
121,156 ITAs Issued in 2026
According to the draw information provided, IRCC had issued 121,156 Invitations to Apply across the listed Express Entry draw categories during 2026.
The figures were:
| Draw Category | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 51,250 |
| French-language proficiency | 50,500 |
| Healthcare and social services | 11,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 8,537 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 891 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 750 |
| Transport | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 4 |
These numbers show the range of candidates being selected through Express Entry during the year.
For healthcare workers, the 11,500 invitations issued through the category during the three listed draws are particularly notable.
What If Your CRS Score Is Below 475?
A CRS score below 475 does not automatically prevent you from using the Express Entry system.
The September 4 result is the outcome of one draw.
Earlier in 2026, the healthcare category had a cut-off of 467.
Future rounds may have different cut-offs depending on the number of invitations, the candidate pool, and the category criteria in place at the time.
If your score is below the latest cut-off, you can review the factors that contribute to your CRS score.
Depending on your circumstances, this may involve:
- Retaking a language test
- Completing additional education
- Gaining additional qualifying work history
- Building Canadian work history
- Reviewing French-language eligibility
- Checking provincial immigration pathways
- Correcting or updating your Express Entry profile
Any change should be assessed against the current immigration rules.
What Happens After an ITA?
Receiving an Invitation to Apply is not the same as receiving permanent residence.
After receiving an ITA, the applicant must submit the required permanent residence application within the applicable deadline.
IRCC states that invited candidates generally have 60 days to submit their application.
The information provided in the Express Entry profile should match the documents submitted with the permanent residence application.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, supporting documents may include:
- Passport
- Language test results
- Educational documents
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Employment reference letters
- Proof of work history
- Police certificates
- Civil status documents
- Proof of funds, where applicable
- Medical examination documentation
- Other documents requested by IRCC
The exact document list depends on the applicant's program and circumstances.
What Surrey Healthcare Workers Should Verify?
If you live or work in Surrey, BC, and work in healthcare or social services, the latest draw can be a reason to review your immigration profile.
Start by asking:
Is my occupation included in the current healthcare and social services category?
Then review your work history.
Do I have the required qualifying work history within the applicable period?
Next, calculate your CRS score.
Where does my current score stand compared with recent healthcare draws?
Finally, review your documents.
Do my job duties, employment dates, NOC classification, and supporting records match?
These questions can help identify where your current profile stands before you make an immigration decision.
Express Entry Is Not a One-Number System
It is tempting to look at the latest CRS cut-off and decide whether you qualify based on that number alone.
Immigration applications are more complicated than that.
A candidate with a CRS score of 475 still needs to meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
A candidate with a lower score may have other pathways worth examining.
Someone with Canadian work history may have different options from someone applying from outside Canada.
Similarly, a healthcare worker may have different possibilities depending on their occupation, education, language results, and provincial connections.
The latest draw is therefore a snapshot of the selection system, not a promise of what the next invitation round will look like.
How Visa Harbour Immigration Can Help in Surrey?
At Visa Harbour Immigration, we work with individuals and families who are assessing Canadian immigration pathways.
For healthcare and social services workers, the latest Express Entry draw provides a reason to review current eligibility, occupation classification, CRS position, and supporting documentation.
Our office is located in Surrey, BC, at:
Visa Harbour Immigration
Payal Business Centre
12899 80 Ave #215
Surrey, BC V3W 0E6, Canada
Phone: +1 236-900-2144
If you are considering the Express Entry Program, you can contact our Surrey office to discuss your circumstances and the immigration routes that may apply to you.
Immigration rules and invitation criteria can change, so applicants should rely on current IRCC requirements when preparing or submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the September 2026 healthcare Express Entry draw?
On September 4, 2026, IRCC issued 3,500 ITAs to candidates under the healthcare and social services category. The CRS cut-off was 475.
What CRS score was required?
The CRS cut-off for the September 4 healthcare and social services draw was 475. This score applies to that particular draw and should not be treated as a permanent requirement.
How many healthcare workers received ITAs in 2026?
Based on the supplied 2026 draw information, healthcare and social services candidates received 11,500 ITAs across three draws: February, June, and September.
Do all healthcare workers qualify?
No. Candidates must have an occupation included in the current category and meet the applicable work history and Express Entry requirements.
Does my job title determine my NOC?
Not necessarily. Your actual duties and work history are important when determining the appropriate NOC classification.
What if my CRS score is under 475?
A score below 475 does not automatically prevent you from pursuing Express Entry. Future draws can have different cut-offs, and other Express Entry categories or immigration pathways may apply.
How long do I have to apply after receiving an ITA?
IRCC generally gives invited candidates 60 days to submit their permanent residence application.
Does living in Surrey give me additional CRS points?
Simply living in Surrey does not automatically add CRS points. Your score is calculated using the factors established under the CRS system.
Are job offers worth CRS points?
IRCC removed CRS points for job offers as of March 25, 2025. However, job offers can still have relevance to eligibility under certain immigration programs and provincial pathways.
Where is Visa Harbour Immigration located?
Visa Harbour Immigration is located at Payal Business Centre, 12899 80 Ave #215, Surrey, BC V3W 0E6, Canada.
You can contact the office at +1 236-900-2144 to discuss your immigration circumstances.
A New Reason for Healthcare Workers to Review Their Profiles
The September 2026 healthcare and social services draw is another significant development for workers considering Canadian permanent residence.
With 3,500 ITAs issued and a CRS cut-off of 475, the latest round shows that healthcare and social services occupations continue to form part of Canada's category-based Express Entry selections.
But the key question is not simply whether you saw the number 475.
The important questions are whether your occupation qualifies, whether your work history meets the current criteria, how your CRS score is calculated, and whether your documents support the information in your profile.
For healthcare and social services workers in Surrey, BC, reviewing these details now can help you make decisions based on your actual immigration profile rather than relying on a single draw result.
Speak with Visa Harbour Immigration about your options.
📍 Payal Business Centre, 12899 80 Ave #215, Surrey, BC V3W 0E6
📞 +1 236-900-2144
Your next step starts with knowing where your profile stands. Contact Visa Harbour Immigration today.
