New Express Entry Draw Targets Healthcare and Social Services| New Draw Underscores the Value of a Provincial Nomination| Express Entry Update: Upfront Medical Exam? | New IRCC Rules Explained| New Language Test Option for Canadian Immigration| Express Entry Draws Update: Predictions & Cut-off Scores You Need to Know

New Express Entry Draw Targets Healthcare and Social Services

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a special category-based Express Entry draw on August 19, inviting 2,500 candidates with a background in healthcare and social services. This was the second draw in as many days, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on August 18.

The latest draw had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 470, significantly lower than the PNP draw's minimum score of 800. This is great news for skilled workers in the healthcare sector, as it highlights the government's commitment to addressing labor shortages in this critical field.

IRCC continues to use category-based draws as a key strategy to meet specific economic goals, providing a clear pathway to permanent residence for professionals in high-demand occupations.

New Draw Underscores the Value of a Provincial Nomination

On August 18, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its most recent Express Entry draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The department issued 192 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 800.

While the high CRS score may seem daunting, it's important to remember that a provincial nomination automatically grants a candidate an additional 600 points on their profile. This draw highlights the significant advantage of securing a provincial nomination, as it provides a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

This strategy is part of IRCC's ongoing effort to support the specific labor and demographic needs of Canada's provinces and territories.

Express Entry Update: Upfront Medical Exam? | New IRCC Rules Explained

Exciting news for anyone in the Express Entry pool! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the upfront medical exam requirement for permanent residence applications. This is a crucial update that could impact your application process.

In this video, our RCIC has provided a comprehensive breakdown of what this new policy means for you. We cover the key details, including who is affected by the change, the updated process for submitting your medical exam results, and the specific criteria for exemptions. This is a must-watch for anyone who has received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or is planning to submit their Express Entry profile soon. We simplify the new rules to help you navigate your application with confidence.

Don't miss out on this essential information. 

Watch the full video for all the details here!

New Language Test Option for Canadian Immigration

Exciting news for those on their Canadian permanent residence journey! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will soon begin accepting a new English language test. 

The TOEFL Essentials test has been officially designated as a valid language assessment for a number of economic immigration programs, including Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs.

The test, administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS), is approximately 1.5 hours long and measures all four core English skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This new option joins the ranks of other accepted tests like CELPIP and IELTS. It provides another convenient and accessible way for candidates to meet the language requirements for their permanent residence application.

Express Entry Draws Update: Predictions & Cut-off Scores You Need to Know

Are you keeping up with the latest changes in Canada’s Express Entry system? On August 18 and 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the most recent Express Entry draws, and the results have already started shaping the expectations for candidates aiming to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

To help you navigate these updates with clarity, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) has put together an insightful YouTube video. In this session, he reviews the outcomes of the latest draws, highlights important trends, and—most importantly—shares his expert predictions on what the future draws could look like, including the potential CRS cut-off scores you’ll need to stay competitive.

If your dream is Canadian permanent residency, this video is a must-watch. Stay informed, plan strategically, and give yourself the best chance at success.

👉 [Watch the video now]