Social Workers, Dental Hygienists, and Pharmacists Are Now Eligible for Category-Based Express Entry Draws
With major Modifications to its Express Entry system, Canada has improved prospects for social workers and healthcare workers to acquire permanent residency (PR). The Healthcare and Social Services Category was broadened by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 27, 2025, to include new occupations such as dental hygienists, social workers, and chemists.
This article will cover:
• Which professions fall under the most recent version of the Healthcare and Social Service Category?
• How do you determine whether you qualify based on your work experience?
• The list of professions that are now eligible.
• How your chances of receiving PR are increased by category-based Express Entry.
What is Express Entry?
Canada's online immigration system, Express Entry, handles skilled workers applications for permanent residence. Candidates are ranked according to criteria like age, education, employment history, and language proficiency.
There are three main immigration programs under Express Entry:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with Canadian work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For tradespeople with work experience in eligible occupations.
What is a Category-Based Draw?
A category-based draw is a selection method where IRCC invites candidates based on their occupation or language skills, rather than the general Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This makes it easier for professionals in high-demand fields to get PR.
Latest Changes to the Express Entry Categories
In 2025, IRCC made major changes, including:
• Adding a new category (Education).
• Removing the Transport category.
• Expanding the Healthcare category to include social service occupations.
Which Jobs Are Now Eligible for the Healthcare and Social Services Category?
Canada classifies jobs using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Below is a list of the professions now eligible under this category.
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Social Workers | 41300 |
| Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists | 32111 |
| Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates | 33102 |
| Medical Radiation Technologists | 32121 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Psychologists | 31200 |
| Optometrists | 31111 |
| General Practitioners and Family Physicians | 31102 |
| Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses | 31301 |
| Paramedical Occupations | 32102 |
| Social and Community Service Workers | 42201 |
Newly Added Professions in 2025
▲ Pharmacists
▲ Social Workers
▲ Dental Hygienists
▲ Community Service Workers
▲ Paramedical Professionals
How to Check if You Are Eligible?
To qualify under the Healthcare and Social Services Category, you must:
▲ Have at least six months of full-time work experience (or an equivalent part-time experience) in an eligible occupation.
▲ Have gained this experience within the last three years.
▲ Meet the Express Entry eligibility requirements.
Steps to Verify Your Eligibility
Step 1: Find Your NOC Code
▲ Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC webpage.
▲ Search for your job title.
▲ Note down the TEER number and NOC code that best matches your role.
Step 2: Match Your Job Duties
▲ Visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) page.
▲ Compare your job responsibilities with the official description.
▲ You must match a substantial number of duties, including all essential tasks.
Step 3: Confirm Your Occupation in Express Entry
▲ Visit the Express Entry category-based selection page.
▲ Check if your occupation and NOC code are listed.
Be qualified for the category-based draw if your job title and responsibilities match those of the eligible NOCs.
How Category-Based Draws Improve Your Chances of Getting PR
To general drawings, category-based draws are less competitive because they concentrate on particular vocations. implies that selection requires lower CRS scores.
For example:
• A CRS score between 524-549 was necessary for general Express Entry drawings in 2024.
• CRS cut-off for drawings based on healthcare was between 422-463.
Implies that if they meet the requirements of the category-based system, individuals with lower CRS scores may nevertheless be invited to apply (ITA) for PR.
Final Thoughts
Pharmacists, social workers, and dental hygienists will benefit greatly from the increase of the Healthcare and Social Services Category under Express Entry. Your prospects of obtaining Canadian permanent residence will greatly increase if you fall into one of these categories.
To increase your chances of getting an ITA, start by verifying your eligibility, making sure your NOC code matches, and keeping up with Express Entry draws.
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