CANADA HELD THE FIRST EXPRESS ENTRY CATEGORY-BASED SELECTION DRAW UNDER HEALTHCARE OCCUPATIONS
The recent Express Entry round in Canada (2023-1) has brought exciting opportunities for individuals in the healthcare sector. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has issued Ministerial Instructions Respecting Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence under the Express Entry System, which provide insights into this round’s details. In this article, we will delve into the key information and implications of the Healthcare Occupations category in the Express Entry system.
Overview of the Express Entry Round (2023-1):
The Healthcare Occupations (2023-1) category was established for this particular Express Entry round. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration aims to contribute to Canada’s long-term economic success by aligning skilled immigration with the labor market’s needs. This round’s focus is on healthcare professionals who can make valuable contributions to the Canadian healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Healthcare Occupations category, foreign nationals must meet certain requirements:
a. Work Experience: Within the three years prior to the establishment of the category, candidates must have accumulated at least six months of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in one of the occupations listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
b. Job Responsibilities: During the period of work experience, candidates must have performed the actions described in the lead statement and fulfilled the substantial number of main duties associated with the occupation, including all essential duties, as outlined in the NOC.
Occupations Included:
The Healthcare Occupations category encompasses various healthcare professions. These include, but are not limited to:
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Surgeons
General practitioners and family physicians
Dentists
Optometrists
Psychologists
Physiotherapists
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
Medical laboratory technologists
Massage therapists
Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies
Invitation Details:
In this round, 500 invitations were issued to eligible foreign nationals within the Healthcare Occupations category. To receive an invitation, candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 500 or above. The CRS score is calculated based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
The lowest-ranked candidate invited in this round had a CRS score of 476. In case multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule applies, considering the date and time of profile submission.
Implications for Applicants:
For individuals working in healthcare occupations who meet the eligibility criteria, this Express Entry round presents a significant opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Canada. With a limited number of invitations issued, having a competitive CRS score becomes crucial. Applicants should focus on improving their profiles, enhancing language skills, gaining additional work experience, and maximizing their CRS points to increase their chances of receiving an invitation.
The Healthcare Occupations category in the Express Entry system’s recent round (2023-1) has created a pathway for skilled healthcare professionals to obtain permanent residence in Canada. By meeting the specified criteria and having a competitive CRS score, individuals working in healthcare occupations can take advantage of this opportunity. It is important for interested applicants to stay updated on the latest immigration policies and guidelines and seek guidance from registered immigration consultants to navigate the application process successfully. With diligent preparation and a strong profile, healthcare professionals can embark on an exciting journey to contribute to Canada’s healthcare system and build a promising future in the country.
