Canada Invites Healthcare Workers in December's First Category-Based Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has carried out its first Express Entry draw of December, focusing exclusively on candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This round stands out as the largest PNP-specific Express Entry draw conducted so far this year.

In this draw, IRCC issued 1,123 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 729 to receive an invitation. In cases where multiple candidates had the same score, IRCC applied its tie-breaking rule, prioritizing profiles submitted before March 5, 2025, at 5:10 a.m. UTC.

Summary

The draw follows several major Express Entry rounds held throughout 2025. Earlier in December, IRCC invited thousands of candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, while large category-based draws—including those targeting French-language proficiency—were conducted in the final weeks of November. These rounds highlight IRCC’s continued emphasis on program-specific and targeted selection.

Canada’s immigration authorities have increasingly relied on Express Entry draws to address regional labour shortages and meet broader immigration objectives. Provincial nominations, in particular, continue to play a critical role by allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their specific economic and workforce needs.

Express Entry remains Canada’s primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Candidates are encouraged to keep their profiles current and remain attentive to draw trends, as IRCC continues to adjust its selection strategies throughout the year.