Canada Invites Foreign Workers for Permanent Residency Applications
The Canadian immigration landscape is continually evolving, and recent updates offer exciting opportunities for international job seekers. If you’re considering moving to Canada, especially in the healthcare and social services sectors, you’re in for some positive news.
On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,500 Express Entry invitations specifically for individuals with skills in healthcare and social services. This is part of an ongoing initiative to fill job shortages in these essential fields. The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this round was 470. Understanding the CRS is key, as it’s a points-based system that ranks candidates based on skills, work experience, and language ability, among other factors.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Canada’s Express Entry is a streamlined process designed for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. It encompasses several programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP allows provinces to nominate candidates based on local labour market needs.
The application process happens in rounds, where invites are distributed to candidates with the highest CRS scores. If there’s a tie in scores, the time and date of their application submission become significant. This makes timely submissions crucial!
Who Qualifies in Healthcare and Social Services?
To be eligible under the healthcare and social services category, candidates must have at least six months of full-time work experience (or its equivalent in part-time work) in one of the specified occupations. This experience needs to have been gained within the three years leading up to your application and must demonstrate that you performed essential duties associated with your occupation as outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Recent Changes in Express Entry
The Express Entry program saw some notable changes earlier this year. In February 2025, a new ‘education occupation category’ was introduced, allowing candidates with relevant academic backgrounds to gain priority. Moreover, candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, who have experience working in Canada, are now prioritized. This is great news for those currently in the country on work permits.
Another significant change was the removal of ‘job offer points’ from the CRS, specifically affecting certain skilled occupations and senior management roles. This can impact your ranking if you don’t have a job offer but don’t let this discourage you! There are many avenues to explore that can lead to job opportunities.
Job Searching and Visa Sponsorship
If you’re actively seeking job opportunities from abroad, VisaJobsCanada.com is a great resource. Our website focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. This means every job listing you find will include information about visa support, making your job search much smoother.
Getting Started with Your Application
Whether you’re looking for a job or transitioning to permanent residency, having a good grasp of the requirements and processes can significantly ease your journey. Start by ensuring your resume is tailored for Canadian employers, and familiarize yourself with the job market in your field.
As you prepare your Express Entry profile, use tools to assess your CRS score and understand what steps you can take to improve it. Networking with professionals in your field can also open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised. Remember, Canada values skilled workers, and with a strategic approach, you’ll increase your chances of a successful application.
In summary, Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants, especially in sectors like healthcare and social services. With recent reforms in the immigration pathways, there are more opportunities than ever to apply for permanent residency.
What do you think?
Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Canada? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
