Express Entry Draw #422: 4,000 Healthcare and Social Services Invitations (CRS 475, June 2026)
On 25 June 2026, Canada's IRCC invited 4,000 Express Entry candidates in the Healthcare and Social Services category with a CRS cut-off of 475. Here is what the draw means and where your PTE Core score fits in.
Published 29 June 2026 · 5 min read · PTE Mocks editorial team
In one line
On 25 June 2026, IRCC ran Express Entry draw #422, a category-based round for Healthcare and Social Services occupations: 4,000 invitations at a CRS cut-off of 475. If you are targeting Canadian permanent residence, the English test you take (PTE Core, not PTE Academic) feeds directly into your CRS score.
What happened in draw #422
- Date: 25 June 2026.
- Category: Healthcare and Social Services occupations (2026 Version 3), a category-based round.
- Invitations issued: 4,000.
- CRS cut-off: 475.
What a category-based draw means
Alongside its general and program-specific rounds, IRCC runs category-based draws that invite candidates from specific occupation groups, in this case healthcare and social services. If your occupation is in the eligible list and your profile is in the Express Entry pool, you can be invited from a category draw even when your score sits below a general-draw cut-off. Category draws change from round to round, so the cut-off and the targeted category in the next draw may differ.
Where your PTE score fits in
For Canadian economic immigration you take PTE Core, not PTE Academic (PTE Academic is for study and for migration to Australia, New Zealand and the UK). Your language results are reported on the 10 to 90 scale and map to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and your CLB level contributes points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A stronger language result can lift your CRS, which matters when a cut-off sits at 475. For the current CLB-to-CRS values and the exact PTE Core score for each CLB level, check the official IRCC pages and Pearson's PTE Core concordance, since these are updated over time. Our PTE for Canada guide walks through how PTE Core, CLB and Express Entry connect.
How to prepare for PTE Core
PTE Core tests everyday and workplace English across the same four skills as PTE Academic, with a couple of different task types (Respond to a Situation and Write Email). The fastest way to find your level is to sit a full mock and see your per-skill scores, then drill the weakest skill. You can take a free PTE Core mock test with AI scoring, and use the result to decide where to focus before you book the real exam.
Official source and disclaimer
The draw figures above are from IRCC's official Express Entry rounds-of-invitations page (canada.ca). PTE Mocks is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with IRCC or Pearson, and we do not give immigration advice. Always confirm draw results, CRS values and eligibility on the official IRCC website before making any decision. Last verified: 29 June 2026.
Frequently asked
Which English test do I need for Canada Express Entry?
PTE Core is the Pearson test that IRCC accepts for Canadian economic immigration, including Express Entry. PTE Academic is not accepted for Canadian permanent residence; it is used for study and for migration to Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
What was the CRS cut-off for Express Entry draw #422?
475. The draw took place on 25 June 2026, was a category-based round for Healthcare and Social Services occupations, and issued 4,000 invitations to apply.
What is a category-based Express Entry draw?
A round in which IRCC invites candidates from specific occupation groups or attributes, rather than the whole pool. Draw #422 targeted healthcare and social services occupations. The category and cut-off can change from one draw to the next.
Does a higher PTE Core score increase my CRS score?
Yes. Your PTE Core results map to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and your CLB level contributes points to your CRS score, so a stronger language result can raise your ranking. Check the current values on the official IRCC site, as they can change.
Where can I check official Express Entry draw results?
On IRCC's Express Entry rounds-of-invitations page on canada.ca, which lists every draw with its date, category, number of invitations and CRS cut-off.
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