Canada opens another door to permanent residence for healthcare and social service workers

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 06, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Destination Canada

CANADA – For thousands of healthcare and social service workers, Canada has opened another pathway toward a more permanent future.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued 3,500 invitations to apply for permanent residence through its latest Express Entry draw, specifically targeting workers in healthcare and social services.

Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 475, with their Express Entry profiles created before May 26, 2026. Those who receive invitations have 60 days to submit their permanent residence applications.

The latest draw underscores Canada’s continued focus on workers in sectors considered vital to the country’s labour needs. It is the second healthcare and social services-focused draw of 2026, following an earlier round that issued 4,000 invitations.

With this latest round, healthcare and social services workers have received 11,500 invitations through targeted Express Entry draws this year, keeping the sector among Canada’s immigration priorities.

For those already building careers in healthcare and social services, the latest invitations offer more than an immigration opportunity—they could mark another step toward turning temporary work in Canada into a permanent home.