Canada’s Express Entry Draw #385 Invites 1,000 Healthcare Workers
Canada’s Express Entry System Continues to Prioritize Healthcare Talent
Canada’s Express Entry system has once again highlighted its focus on healthcare and social services with the latest draw, number 385, conducted on December 11, 2025. In this round, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended invitations to 1,000 candidates who scored a minimum of 476 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This move underscores Canada’s commitment to bolstering its healthcare system and community services, vital sectors that contribute to the country’s economic resilience and public service enhancement.
Key Highlights of the Latest Draw
- Draw Date: December 11, 2025
- Category: Healthcare and social services
- CRS Cut-off Score: 476
- Invitations Issued: 1,000
- Tie-breaking Rule: November 26, 2025, at 07:44:30 UTC
This draw marks the 55th of the year and the seventh specifically targeting healthcare and social services, reflecting the ongoing emphasis on attracting talent in these crucial fields.
Analysis: Trends and Implications
Throughout 2025, Express Entry draws have been highly competitive, with an influx of candidates and a limited number of general draws keeping CRS scores elevated. The healthcare-focused draws have seen a range of CRS scores, from a low of 462 to a high of 510, with invitation numbers fluctuating between 500 and 4,000. This strategic focus aligns with Canada’s broader immigration objectives, ensuring that essential services have the skilled professionals needed to meet demand.
Express Entry Pool and Future Expectations
As of early December 2025, the Express Entry pool comprised 242,379 candidates, with many scoring between 450 and 500. This high concentration makes category-based draws especially crucial, providing targeted opportunities for healthcare professionals, trades workers, and French-speaking candidates. The IRCC’s approach reflects Canada’s immigration strategy for 2025 to 2027, prioritizing sectors that address immediate and long-term labor market needs.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The next draw is anticipated around mid-December, potentially following the pattern of category-based selections. These draws are expected to continue prioritizing healthcare, trades, and French language proficiency, among others. With Canada’s immigration plan aiming to meet national labor demands, candidates can expect more category-specific draws and fewer general ones throughout the remainder of 2025.
Why CRS Scores Remain High
Several factors contribute to the high CRS thresholds seen in 2025. A reduction in economic class allocations, a temporary pause in Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, and fewer Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations have all contributed to a dense pool of competitive applicants. Additionally, the sustained demand for Canadian immigration and the selective nature of category-based draws have maintained high CRS cut-offs.
This latest draw demonstrates Canada’s strategic emphasis on supporting its essential workforce needs, particularly in healthcare, as it continues to adapt its immigration system to meet the country’s evolving demands.
Waiting on Your Immigration Application?
GCMS (Global Case Management System) is the system used by IRCC to track and process all immigration and visa files. GCMS notes include detailed updates, officer comments, and reasons for decisions.
If you’re unsure about your application status, apply GCMS notes to see what’s happening behind the scenes. It’s the most reliable way to understand your file.
