The Canadian government has made significant changes to its Express Entry system, opening more doors for healthcare and social service professionals seeking permanent residency (PR). With the latest update by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 27, 2025, pharmacists, social workers, and dental hygienists now have a better chance to qualify under category-based draws.
Key Updates to Express Entry Categories
IRCC has introduced a new Education category and removed the Transport category from Express Entry. Additionally, the Healthcare category has been expanded to include social service occupations, increasing opportunities for professionals in these fields.
This guide covers:
- The newly eligible occupations under the Healthcare and Social Services category
- How to determine if your work experience qualifies
- A complete list of eligible NOC codes and job titles
- How category-based draws increase your chances of getting PR
Who Qualifies for the Updated Healthcare & Social Services Category?
Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to classify jobs based on responsibilities. Below is the updated list of occupations now eligible under this category. Bolded occupations were newly added in 2025.
Eligible Occupations & NOC Codes
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Dieticians and nutritionists | 31121 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 |
| Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 |
| Social workers | 41300 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
How to Check Your Eligibility for Express Entry’s Healthcare & Social Services Category
To qualify, you must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in one of the eligible occupations within the last three years.
Step-by-Step Guide to Determine Eligibility:
- Find Your NOC Code
- Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page.
- Use the search bar to find your occupation by job title or relevant keywords.
- Note your NOC code and TEER level.
- Verify Your Job Duties
- Go to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) webpage.
- Search by NOC code to view the lead statement and main duties.
- Ensure your experience matches the essential and majority of the main duties.
- Check Express Entry’s Category-Based Selection Page
- Visit the IRCC website and select “Healthcare and Social Services Occupations” under category-based selection.
- Confirm that your occupation and NOC code are listed.
How Category-Based Express Entry Draws Boost Your PR Chances
Unlike general draws, category-based draws specifically target professionals in high-demand sectors like healthcare and social services. This significantly reduces competition and lowers CRS cut-offs, making it easier to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
CRS Score Comparison (2024 Data)
| Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Range |
| General Draws | 524 – 549 |
| Healthcare Occupations | 422 – 463 |
This means if your CRS score is below the general draw threshold, you still stand a better chance through category-based draws.
Understanding the Express Entry System
To be considered for Express Entry, you must first qualify under one of the following programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Your CRS score determines your rank based on factors such as: ✅ Age
✅ Education
✅ Work Experience
✅ Language Proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP)
✅ Adaptability Factors (Spouse’s Qualifications, Canadian Experience, etc.)
Express Entry draws happen regularly, and candidates with the highest CRS scores receive ITAs for PR. These draws can be:
- General Draws
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
- Program-Specific Draws
- Category-Based Draws (such as Healthcare & Social Services)
2025 Express Entry Categories
This year, IRCC has introduced six Express Entry categories:
- Healthcare & Social Services
- Education (Newly Added in 2025)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Trade Occupations
- Agriculture & Agri-Food
- French-Language Proficiency
Final Thoughts
If you are a healthcare or social service professional, now is the best time to apply under Express Entry. With lower CRS cut-offs and a streamlined selection process, qualifying for PR has become much easier.
✅ Check your NOC code
✅ Ensure your job duties match
✅ Submit your Express Entry profile
Need Expert Guidance?
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need professional assistance, contact an RCIC-certified immigration expert today to maximize your chances of securing Canadian PR in 2025!