Category-Based Express Entry Selection 2024

The Express Entry system, known for its efficiency and effectiveness in managing Canada’s immigration applications for skilled workers, has evolved to include category-based rounds of invitations. Complementing the General and Program-specific rounds, these category-focused rounds aim to identify and invite top-ranking candidates meeting specific economic requirements of Canada.

The Category-based selections in Canada’s Express Entry system, empower the country to extend Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to potential applicants who possess particular skills, training, or language proficiencies. Initiated in 2023, these category-based draws are set to continue with the same classifications in 2024, as announced by IRCC.

Complementing the General and Program-specific rounds, these category-focused rounds aim to identify and invite top-ranking candidates meeting specific economic requirements of Canada. Selection criteria include proficiency in an official language, relevant work experience in key sectors, and educational qualifications.

Such a strategic approach by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) underscores a commitment to fulfilling distinct economic objectives. It involves selecting eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool based on defined category requirements, thereby streamlining the immigration process to align with Canada’s economic needs.

Current Categories

This targeted approach focuses on six key categories, each playing a crucial role in bolstering Canada’s economic landscape:

1. French-language proficiency: Encouraging candidates who are proficient in French, reflecting Canada’s commitment to bilingualism and the need for French-speaking professionals.
2. Healthcare occupations: Addressing the critical demand for healthcare professionals and supporting the robustness of Canada’s healthcare system.
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations: Fostering growth in these innovative and ever-evolving sectors.
4. Trade occupations: Recognizing the importance of skilled trades in driving the economy.
5. Transport occupations: Ensuring the efficiency and reliability of Canada’s transport sector.
6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations: Supporting the agricultural sector, vital for the country’s food security and economic health.

 The categories can change on a yearly basis based on what is reported to parliament. Each year the IRCC will report: 

• the categories they chose from the previous year
• why and how they chose them
• the instructions to establish a category
• the number of invitations issued for each category

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, all requirements for that round must be met. There are also specific conditions that must be met depending on the category that is being targeted. For the 2023 categories, eligibility includes: 

French-language proficiency: Must have a French-language test result that shows a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

Healthcare occupations: Have accumulated within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the 35 targeted NOC codes. 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations: Have accumulated within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the 24 targeted NOC codes. 

Trade occupations: Have accumulated within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the 10 targeted NOC codes. 

Transport occupations: Have accumulated within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the 10 targeted NOC codes. 

Agriculture and agri-food occupations: Have accumulated within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the 3 targeted NOC codes. 

You can find the specific professions and their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes on our dedicated pages. These pages are updated with the latest information for each category’s draw. Please check the list below for more details.

Will the CRS still be a factor for Express Entry?

Applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS) will still count, and be an important factor for Express Entry draws. Category-based rounds of invitations will invite the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for the category being targeted for that round. 

This will give candidates a better chance as their CRS score will only be ranked with those in that selected category rather than the entire Express Entry pool. 

What should I do if my occupation is not listed? 

In their announcement, IRCC confirmed that the category-based rounds of invitation will add to general and provincial rounds, suggesting all program draws will continue to take place. If your occupation does not appear on the demand list, you can still be considered for these general draws.  

Furthermore, provinces and territories will continue to use the Express Entry pool to source applicants. Candidates who have secured a provincial nomination have demonstrated they have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the province or territory’s economy, therefore they will receive an ITA via the all program or provincial Express Entry draws. 

Will Express Entry still have other types of draws?

Yes, Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be 3 types of rounds: 

1. General round of invitations: General rounds of invitations invites the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.

Category-Based Selection Will Help to Meet 2024 – 2026 Immigration Targets

Immigration has been a key strategy for the Canadian government to help address labour market shortages. The current immigration plan also aims to attract the skills required to fill critical sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology sectors. Category-based draws will help to address these shortages by allowing the government to target roles and industries facing the most severe shortages. 

What is Express Entry and How Can I Apply?

Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles. The system manages three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW);
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST); and
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials and passport or travel documentation.

After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.

Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!