Express Entry: Analysis of draws #348 and #349 - Health, social services and PNP candidates

Express Entry: A Week Marked by Two Rounds of Invitations

The month of June 2025 kicks off with two new Express Entry draws targeting profiles that are quite distinct, but just as essential to the Canadian job market. Draw #349, dated June 4, 2025, is aimed specifically at health and social services professionals, while draw #348, dated June 2, 2025, is exclusively for Provincial Nominee Program applicants.

In this article, we decipher the criteria, thresholds and implications of these draws, to help candidates better position their profile in the Entrée express pool.

Drawing #349 : Health and social services professions in the spotlight

The #349 print run highlights the strategic importance of health and social service professions to Canada's current immigration needs. Here are the highlights:

  • Number of invitations: 500
  • Minimum SCG score: 504
  • Categories involved: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Skilled Trades Program
  • Tie-breaking rule: profiles submitted before March 31, 2025 at 06:47:23 UTC

This targeted draw demonstrates a clear desire to prioritize critical sectors, where demand for labor is constant. The threshold of 504 points remains competitive, but accessible to candidates with Canadian experience or a qualified job offer.

Examples of professions typically targeted in this type of print run:

  • Registered and psychiatric nurses
  • General practitioners and specialists
  • Social workers and specialized educators
  • Psychologists
  • Mental health therapists and counsellors
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Drawing #348: priority to provincial candidates

Drawing #348 is reserved for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which enables provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their economic needs.

  • Number of invitations: 277
  • Minimum SCG score: 726
  • Tie-breaking date: September 24, 2024 at 15:46:19 UTC

The very high minimum score of 726 points shows that candidates with a provincial nomination (worth 600 SCG points) continue to dominate this category. This strategy ensures that provinces attract profiles that match their specific economic and geographic needs.

Candidates selected via a provincial appointment are given priority treatment, which is a major advantage for those who cannot reach the high thresholds on their own.

Answers to frequently asked questions about Express Entry and PCP

1. What's the difference between a general print run and a targeted Express Entry print run?

A general draw invites candidates with the best overall scores, across all professions. A targeted draw selects only profiles corresponding to priority sectors (healthcare, tech, specialized professions, etc.).

2. How do I get a provincial nomination?

You can either apply directly to a province via your own portal, or be contacted by a province via your Express Entry profile. Nomination adds 600 points to the candidate's score.

3. Can I receive an invitation with a score below 500?

Yes, but usually only if you're in a targeted category (e.g. skilled trades, francophone...) or if you have a provincial nomination. Otherwise, minimum scores often exceed 500 points.

How can we capitalize on these recent results?

These two prints clearly show current trends in Canadian immigration:

  • Healthcare professionals remain a national priority: if you're in this field, prepare your profile now.
  • Provincial appointments are powerful gas pedals: they enable you to considerably boost your score in the SCG system.
  • The importance of profile submission strategy: submitting early can make the difference in the event of a tie-breaker.

Remember that every situation is unique. A personalized analysis can reveal unsuspected opportunities based on your profile.

Need help maximizing your chances?

The criteria of the Express Entry system are constantly evolving, and the wrong strategy can delay your immigration project by months or even years. If you want to optimize your profile or obtain a provincial nomination, make an appointment with our regulated Canadian immigration consultant. With professional guidance, you can approach your journey to Canada with confidence and efficiency.

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