Introducing Category-Based Selection in Canada's Express Entry System

Canada's Express Entry system is undergoing a significant update with the introduction of category-based selection. This new approach aims to enhance the immigration process by providing more tailored pathways for skilled workers to become permanent residents.

Express Entry is Canada's flagship program for managing the intake of skilled workers who wish to immigrate and become permanent residents. It operates through a comprehensive ranking system, where eligible candidates are awarded points based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. These points are used to determine an individual's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which ultimately influences their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Under the new category-based selection system, candidates in the Express Entry pool will be grouped into different categories based on their skills and attributes. These categories are designed to align with Canada's labour market needs and prioritize candidates who possess the skills and experience that are in high demand. By proactively selecting candidates who meet the specific requirements of Canadian employers and industries, category-based rounds of invitations aim to expedite the integration of skilled workers into the Canadian workforce, fostering economic growth and addressing labour market gaps. Category-based rounds invite top-ranking candidates in specific categories and are held in addition to general and program-specific rounds. The first category-based Express Entry draws are expected this summer. 


Eligibility for the 2023 Categories

The selection of categories under the category-based selection system is informed by annual labour market information, partner input, and stakeholder feedback. The reasons and methods behind the selection and the number of invitations issued for each category are monitored and assessed regularly to ensure their alignment with evolving labor market needs. For 2023, the following 6 categories were established:

  1. French-language proficiency
  2. Healthcare occupations
  3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
  4. Trade occupations
  5. Transport occupations
  6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

French Language Skills

To be considered under the French-language proficiency category, candidates must have achieved French-language test results at a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) , also known as Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Candidates must also meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round.

Occupation-based Categories

Aside from meeting the full eligibility requirements as per the instructions of each round, occupation-based categories select candidates with work experience in certain occupations. Candidates must have accumulated at least 6 months of continuous work experience within the past 3 years in Canada or abroad. The following occupations are eligible:
  • 35 healthcare occupations in the major NOC groups 31, 32, 33, 41 and 42
  • 24 science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations in major groups 20, 21 and 41
  • 10 trade occupations in major groups 72 and 73
  • 10 transport occupations in major groups 70, 72, 73 and 93
  • 3 agriculture and agri-food occupations in major groups 82 and 63
The full list of eligible occupations is available on the official government of Canada website. 


By staying informed about the latest requirements and developments in category-based selection, aspiring immigrants can strategize and increase their prospects of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in Canada. Meeting the requirements for category-based selection within the applicable Express Entry programs opens doors to a successful immigration journey and the potential to contribute to Canada's growing industries and labor market. Contact us for assistance in navigating Canada's Express Entry system!

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