Book an Appointment
Pharmacists, social workers, and dental hygienists can now qualify for category-based draws, giving these professionals a better chance to get Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry.
On 27 February, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made major changes to Express Entry categories.
In addition to creating a new category (Education) and removing another (Transport), IRCC also made many changes to the occupations listed under the existing categories.
This includes the healthcare category, which was augmented to include social service occupations as well.
What occupations qualify under the updated Healthcare and Social Service Category;
How to determine whether your work experience makes you eligible for these categories;
All the newly eligible occupations in the healthcare and social service category, with example job titles; and
How Express Entry categories can increase someone’s chances of receiving Canadian PR.
Canada classifies occupations using the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, which classifies jobs based on the roles and responsibilities of each occupation.
How to determine whether your work experience makes you eligible for these categories?
To be eligible for the healthcare and social services category, you need to have accumulated at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) in a single category-eligible occupation within the last three years.
Here’s how you can find out if your work experience meets the requirements of the eligible NOCs.
Step 1: Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page to find out which NOC code and occupation title corresponds best to your work experience.
You can try finding your occupation's NOC code by scrolling down and typing your job title or other keywords into “Filter items” search bar.
If you don't find a relevant NOC using the first titles or keywords, try variations or alternatives. For example, instead of “editor”, try “journalist.”
Take note of the TEER number and NOC code which corresponds closely to your profession.
Step 2: Verify it against the Employment and Social Development Canada. (ESDC) webpage by clicking on “Search by NOC Code” tab.
Check if your work experience aligns with the actions described in the lead statement.
You must have also performed a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential duties, of the occupation as set out in the NOC description.
Step 3: Visit the Express Entry category-based selection page.
Under “find out who’s eligible for each category”, select the “healthcare and social service occupations".
