On February 20, 2026, Canada conducted a Category‑Based Express Entry Draw (#398) focused on Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, issuing a total of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canada PR. The lowest CRS score among the invited candidates was 467, and the tie‑breaking rule was based on profile submission date and time of December 09, 2025, at 18:22:06 UTC.
This draw highlights Canada’s continued emphasis on attracting skilled professionals in healthcare and social services, including nurses, therapists, technologists, psychologists, social workers, and allied practitioners. It’s one of the most important trends in Canada immigration 2026, giving qualified healthcare workers stronger chances to secure permanent residency with fewer barriers compared to general draws.
Why This Category Matters for Canada PR Aspirants
Canada’s healthcare and social services category is part of the Express Entry category‑based selection system, designed to address labour shortages in key sectors while supporting economic growth. Unlike typical all‑program draws, category‑based rounds focus on occupation groups that are essential to Canada’s workforce — in this case, healthcare professionals and social service workers.
For nurses, medical technologists, and allied health professionals, this means:
• Higher likelihood of receiving an ITA even with a moderate CRS score
• Greater recognition of specialized experience such as nursing, physiotherapy, and psychology
• A clearer path to Canada PR through Express Entry
• Advantage for international experience whether gained in Canada or abroad
Healthcare & Social Services Occupations Eligible for Express Entry Draw #398
(Occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER Category)
| Occupation Title | NOC Code | TEER Category |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
| Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
| Dieticians and nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 | 2 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 | 3 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 | 2 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 | 2 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 | 3 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
| Nursing co‑ordinators and supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 | 1 |
| Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 | 3 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 | 2 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 | 1 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 | 2 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 | 2 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 | 3 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 | 1 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
| Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 | 2 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
| Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 | 2 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
(This list aligns with the official Healthcare & Social Services category criteria used in Express Entry Round #398.)
How Edurecruit4u Can Help You Benefit from Targeted Express Entry Rounds
Category‑based draws like this one represent a big opportunity — but they also require strong profile strategy and documentation readiness. At Edurecruit4u, we help you:
• Assess your CRS score and eligibility for category‑based draws
• Identify whether your NOC code is listed in priority categories
• Strategically improve your profile — including language test planning, education assessment, and work experience documentation
• Prepare strong Express Entry profiles that align with targeted draw criteria
• Navigate the entire PR application from ITA to final immigration approval
Our expertise ensures your application not only meets eligibility but stands out when category priority draws occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a category‑based Express Entry draw?
A category‑based draw targets specific occupation groups (like healthcare) to prioritize candidates whose skills are urgently needed in Canada’s labour market.
Does having a listed NOC guarantee an ITA?
No. You still need a valid Express Entry profile, sufficient CRS score, and to meet basic program criteria. However, being in a priority category significantly improves chances.
Can Canadian work experience help in these draws?
Yes, Canadian work experience, combined with category eligibility, boosts competitiveness in draws.
Is there a language requirement for category‑based draws?
Yes, you must still meet Express Entry language requirements (like IELTS, CELPIP or TEF) unless exempt under specific programs.
How often are category‑based draws held?
They are held periodically, depending on labour needs and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) planning, and may vary in frequency.