Express Entry's Category-Based Selection | Aspirants Must Know

Express Entry's Category-Based Selection | Aspirants Must Know

Peter Seeder Published:
July 05, 2023

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently implemented categories-based selection for permanent residence, which aims to streamline the immigration process and prioritize applicants based on ‘specific’ categories. These categories are designed to meet the labor market needs and economic priorities of Canada. By implementing such a system, the IRCC intends to ensure that immigrants they [IRCC] selects have the skills and qualifications required to contribute to the Canadian economyImmigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will primarily target candidates in the following fields in this year, 2023:

  • Healthcare professions: professionals in the healthcare industry will be given special consideration during the selection draws. This includes doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare practitioners.
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions: individuals with expertise in STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, will be among the preferred candidates. This ensures that Canada continues to attract and retain top talent in these crucial sectors.
  • Trades: skilled tradespeople, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors, will also be prioritized. Recognizing the importance of these professions in various infrastructure projects and the economy, the IRCC aims to facilitate the immigration of individuals with practical skills.
  • Transportation: candidates with experience in transportation-related occupations, such as drivers, logistics professionals, and airline staff, will have an advantage in the selection draws. This acknowledges the significance of the transportation sector in supporting Canada’s economic growth and connectivity.
  • Agriculture and Agri-food: IRCC recognize the vital role played by the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada’s economy. As a result, individuals with work experience in farming, agricultural research, food processing, and related fields will receive special consideration.

Category-Based Selection Will Help IRCC Meet Its Multi-Year Immigration Target

The categories-based selection benefit both IRCC as well as potential immigrants. For IRCC, it helps in achieving its multi-year immigration target by efficiently managing the selection process. By targeting specific categories, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can focus on attracting individuals who possess the skills and experience needed to address labor market gaps in the country. This approach enhances the likelihood of successful integration and contribution to the country’s economy. Category-based draws will help to address these shortages by allowing the government to target roles and industries facing the most severe shortages.

Over the next three years, Canada will increase the number of new immigrants to the country each year. Canada will aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. And it will again rise in 2025 to 500,000 new immigrants.

Identified Categories in the Current Year 

The specific categories identified in the current year may vary depending on the evolving labor market needs and economic priorities. However, common categories often include skilled workersprofessionalstradespersonsentrepreneurs, and individuals with experience in in-demand occupations. These categories may be further subdivided based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, you must:

  • meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for 1 of the 3 immigration programs it covers, and
  • meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round.
  • The categories prioritized for the current year [2023] is listed in the top section of this article – see above.

 

Different Types Invitation Rounds in Express Entry System

With the introduction of Categories-based selection, there are now 3 types of invitation rounds in the Express Entry selection system. They are:

  • General rounds of invitations: in general rounds of invitations, individuals who are among the highest-ranked candidates in the pool and eligible for one of the three programs managed through Express Entry are invited. 
  • Program-specific rounds of invitations: program-specific rounds of invitations target candidates eligible for a particular Express Entry program. For instance, if a round is specifically held for the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), only candidates eligible for a PNP will receive invitation. 
  • Category-based rounds of invitations: in category-based rounds of invitations, a specific category is established by the Minister to fulfill a particular economic objective. Top-ranking candidates in the pool, who meet the eligibility requirements for that category, are invited to apply for permanent residence. It is important for individuals to meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs managed through Express Entry to be placed in the pool. Category-based rounds of invitations complement general and program-specific rounds by inviting highly ranked candidates who can contribute towards achieving specific economic goals.

What is Express Entry (EE) & How Does it Work?

Express Entry is an electronic selection system used by the Federal as well as Provincial governments of Canada [to select], as well as designated Canadian employers [to nominate] candidates for Canadian permanent residence under three of its popular economic [skilled] immigration programs:

Candidates eligible for any of the above programs are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry Pool. It is based on their Core/Human capital factors such as age, work experience, education, and language ability in English and/or French, etc. And, based on scores, candidates are periodically invited (or nominated) for permanent residence.

It is important to note that the Express Entry system is subject to change, and candidates should always refer to the official IRCC website or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding immigration to Canada.

Contact us today to know if you qualify to migrate to Canada. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.

Canadian Immigration NEWSLETTER

Canadian Immigration Eligibility Check

Find out the easiest way to CANADA
Pay Online