Express Entry, the immigration program managed by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is introducing a new category-based selection system for candidates. The development came after a bill was passed granting the immigration minister the authority to invite candidates with specific attributes to support Canada’s economic goals.
The introduction of the category-based selection system in Express Entry aims to streamline and optimize the immigration process, ensuring that candidates with specific attributes can contribute to Canada’s economy and meet the country’s labor market needs. Targeted draws under the new categories are expected to commence later this summer, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
Candidates are still required to meet the eligibility criteria for an Express Entry managed program, which includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Most in-demand skills
These are the five most in-demand skills to be chosen to receive permanent residence in Canada:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Transport
This year, the focus will be on Express Entry Candidates with strong French language proficiency.
Candidates in Express Entry will be eligible for the new draw categories if they have work experience in these fields.
Among the five occupation-specific categories, all candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) within the past 3 years in a single eligible occupation. Candidates invited based on strong French language proficiency must also meet specific language requirements.
A candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will still be considered in Express Entry draws. IRCC will continue to hold draws where candidates are invited without reference to any of the new categories. These draws can include all-program draws or program-specific draws.
Furthermore, IRCC will continue to invite candidates with a provincial or territorial nomination through general and PNP-specific rounds. These candidates have demonstrated their skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of the province or territory.
A full list of eligible occupations under the new categories can be accessed here.
Newly introduced Categories
The new categories align with the immigration minister’s mandate to support Canada’s economic goals and promote the growth of French-speaking communities outside of Quebec. The targeted categories aim to fill vacant positions across the country and address labor shortages in various industries while increasing the number of French speakers in minority communities.
The categories may change on a yearly basis, with IRCC providing a report to parliament detailing the categories from the previous year, the rationale behind their selection, instructions for establishing the categories, and the number of invitations issued for each category. The report will also be included in the Express Entry Year-End Report.