Health workers have several routes through Express Entry in 2026

Canada is short of health workers, and Express Entry reflects it. In 2026 a nurse, physician or care worker can be invited through more than one route, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between a score of 470 and a score under 200.

Healthcare and social services occupations

This category covers a wide range of health and social service jobs. To qualify you need at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or the same amount part-time) in an eligible occupation within the last three years. That experience can be from inside or outside Canada.

Physicians with Canadian work experience

New in 2026, this category is for doctors who already have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada, in an eligible occupation, within the last three years. Because the pool is small, the cut-offs are far lower than any other category.

Together, the two categories have issued 12,391 invitations so far in 2026.

Other routes worth considering

• The Canadian Experience Class, if you have a year of skilled work in Canada. Recent cut-offs have been around 520.
• A provincial nomination, which adds 600 points. Most provinces run streams for nurses and other health workers.
• Provincial health-specific streams outside Express Entry, which have their own rules and timelines.

The step people skip

Healthcare is regulated in Canada. Nurses and doctors usually need to start the licensing process with the provincial regulator long before they can work. Starting that early keeps the immigration and licensing timelines in step.