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!

Popular posts from this blog

What's a CLB?

Image
In most cases, applicants for permanent residence in Canada need to prove their language skills in English or French. To do so, they must take an approved language test. There are five language tests accepted for immigration to Canada; three for English and two for French: •   Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program ( CELPIP) •   International English Language Testing System ( IELTS) •   Pearson Test of English ( PTE)  •   Test de connaissance du français ( TCF) •   Test d’évaluation de français ( TEF) IRCC will use the test results as proof of an applicant's language skills. In order to be valid, test results must be less than two years old at the time of application for permanent residence. There are provisions if a candidate cannot complete one or more sections of the language test because of a disability. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) (or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French) was created to assess language skills of permanent residen
Read more

How Express Entry works

Image
The Express Entry online system is used to manage applications for Permanent Residence under three separate programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program Federal Skilled Trades Program Canadian Experience Class Each program has its own eligibility criteria. Candidates need to meet all requirements for at least one program to apply under Express Entry, and can't mix and match criteria from different programs. The following table shows the eligbility requirements for each of the three programs: Eligibility Criteria Canadian Experience Class Federal Skilled Worker Program Federal Skilled Trades Program Language skills English or French skills CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations English or French skills CLB 7 English or French skills CLB 5 for speaking and listening CLB 4 for reading and writing Type/Level of work experience Canadian work experience in an occupation
Read more

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Image
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a reciprocal program that gives youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 3 years. Young adults aged 18 to 35 can participate in the program under the following categories: Working Holiday ( open work permit ) Young Professional (employer-specific "closed" work permit for jobs contributing to professional development) International co-op (employer-specific work permit for student internship terms) Who Can Apply Citizens of partner countries may be able to apply to one or more of these three categories. Citizens of other countries may still be able to apply to the IEC program through a Recognized Organization  (RO).  The number of participations and length of work permit depend on the applicant's country of citizenship. While some countries allow repeat participations in the same or a different category, others are limited to one participation. The length of work permit under the IEC program can vary from 6 mont
Read more