Top 8 Facts Of Canada Category-Based Selection (+Draws)

As of the 2021 Canadian census, there are 8.3 million immigrants living in Canada. It makes up about 23 per cent of the country's total population. This gives Canada the 8th largest immigrant population globally. This is one of the highest immigrant-to-population ratios among industrialized Western nations.

Canada's Express Entry system's category-based selections started in 2023. It enables the country to invite candidates with specific skills, training, or language abilities. Continuing in 2024, these draws complement General and Program-specific rounds by targeting high-ranking candidates who meet Canada's economic needs.

1. What is Canada's Category Based Selection?

Category-based invitation rounds target candidates in the Express Entry pool who qualify for specific categories set by the Minister to achieve certain economic objectives. Candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence based on factors such as:

• Proficiency in a specific official language
• Work experience in a particular occupation
• Educational qualifications

2. Objectives of Category-Based Selection IRCC

Canada looks at building an immigration system that can serve the four objectives of -

1. Promoting growth,
2. Empowering Canadian businesses,
3. Helping address labour shortages
4. Strengthening French-speaking communities.

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3. Current Categories

This targeted approach focuses on six key categories. These are:

Canada Express Entry Category-Based Selection

4. Eligibility Criteria for Category-Based Selection

To qualify for an invitation through a category-based round, candidates must meet all the specified requirements for that particular round. Additionally, there are unique conditions for each targeted category. For the 2023 categories, the eligibility criteria include:

French-language proficiency

Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

Healthcare occupations

Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the 35 targeted NOC codes. This must be within the past 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations

Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the 24 targeted NOC codes. This must be within the past 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

Trade occupations

Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the 10 targeted NOC codes. This must be within the past 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

Transport occupations

Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the 10 targeted NOC codes. This must be within the past 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the 3 targeted NOC codes. This must be within the past 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

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5. Occupations that come under new category-based selection Canada

1. Healthcare Occupations

2. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Occupations

3. Trade Occupations

4. Transport Occupations

5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

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Related FAQs

Types of Express Entry Draws

1. General Rounds of Invitations: It invites top-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool eligible for any of the three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

2. Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations: It Targets top-ranking candidates eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For instance, there are draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). It invites candidates eligible for PNP nominations.

3. Category-Based Rounds of Invitations: It is established by the Minister of Immigration. This is to address specific economic needs across Canada. Candidates with top-ranking scores in the pool who meet the criteria of these categories receive invitations.

Canadian PNP for Those Ineligible for EE Category Selection

6. General Draws vs. Category-Based Draws

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7. Process of Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

Step 1: Show Your Interest: Create an online Express Entry profile in your IRCC account.

Step 2: Enter the Express Entry Pool: If you qualify for one of the Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class), you will be placed in the pool.

Step 3: Check Your CRS Score: Your profile will get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in the pool. You can see your score in your IRCC account.

Step 4: Category Eligibility: The authorities look at profiles in the pool. They do so to find candidates who are eligible for specific categories set by the Minister.

Step 5: Ranking Your Profile: Eligible candidates are ranked based on their CRS scores.

Step 6: Invitation Rounds: In each round, we invite candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for an immigration program. For category-based rounds, candidates must also fit the category to be invited.

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence: If you get an invitation, you have 60 days to apply for a specific Express Entry program.

Step 8: Application Decision: The authorities make a decision based on whether you qualify for the program. If your profile information is correct, if you fit the category, and if you are allowed to enter Canada.

A Simple Guide for Canada Express Entry 2024 ...

8. Express Entry category-based draws

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Importance of the Canada Express Entry System

• A Canada PR visa can be obtained within six months or less from the application submission date.
• The electronic system eliminates delays and document misplacements. These are associated with the old paper-based system.
• Ensures selection based solely on CRS scores, preventing any possibility of discrimination.
• Canada plans to welcome more immigrants. It lowers the minimum CRS score for selection.
• Direct application for permanent residence upon receiving an invitation.
• Flexibility to settle anywhere in Canada with a Canada Express Entry visa.
• No requirement for French language proficiency to apply through Express Entry.

Canada Launches Category-Based Selection in Express ...

Tips to optimize your Express Entry profile

1.   Read Instructions Carefully: Thoroughly review provided instructions to ensure completeness and accuracy. Consider professional guidance to navigate complexities effectively.
2.   Avoid Guessing: Provide accurate information. Guessing can lead to errors that jeopardize your application's success.
3.   Language Proficiency: Prepare for language tests early. Also, ensure scores are valid and from a single test session.
4.   Include All Work Experience: Detail all employment history to strengthen your profile. Do it even if some roles don't directly earn points.
5.   Include Dependents: List all eligible dependents to avoid complications later in the immigration process.

How Can Kansas Help?

At Kansas, we're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your Canada Super Visa journey. Here's how we can help:

1. Assessing Eligibility: We'll carefully assess your eligibility for the category-based selection. We ensure all requirements are met.
2. Document Organization: Our team will assist you in gathering and organizing all necessary documents. It includes proof of relationship, medical reports, and health insurance.
3. Application Guidance: We'll guide you through the application process. Hence, ensuring forms are filled out accurately and completely.
4. Health Insurance Support: We'll advise you on obtaining mandatory medical insurance from a Canadian provider that meets all requirements.
5. Financial Verification: We'll help you demonstrate financial support from your hosting child or grandchild in Canada. In this way, you will meet all necessary standards.
6. Extension Assistance: If you need to extend your stay, we'll guide you through the extension process.

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Other FAQs

1. What is the weather like in Canada?

Canada's weather depends on the region and season. Generally, winters are cold with snow, especially in central and eastern Canada. On the other hand, summers can be warm or hot. Coastal regions like Vancouver experience milder winters and cooler summers.

2. What are the best cities to visit in Canada?

Some of the best cities to visit in Canada include Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, and Ottawa. Each offers unique attractions, culture, and experiences.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Canada?

Popular tourist attractions in Canada include Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, CN Tower (Toronto), Old Quebec (Quebec City), Stanley Park (Vancouver), and Parliament Hill (Ottawa), among others.

4. How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada in 2024?

The cost of immigrating to Canada is CAD 2,300 for a single applicant or CAD 4,500 for couples.

5. Who is eligible for a bridging open work permit in Canada?

A bridging open work permit is available to temporary residents who have applied for permanent residence from within Canada and have a valid job offer.

6. Will the CRS still be a factor for the Express Entry job classification?

Yes, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score remains a critical factor in Express Entry for ranking candidates. It is based on their skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors.

7. What are the most commonly asked questions for a US visa interview?

Common questions in US visa interviews include inquiries about:

• The purpose of the trip
• Ties to home country
• Financial status
• Intent to return to the home country after the visit.

8. Which Express Entry job offers are exempt from requiring an LMIA?

Certain job offers under Express Entry are exempt from requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), such as those under NAFTA agreements, intra-company transfers, and specific provincial nomination programs.

9. How does IRCC determine the CRS cut-off for each draw?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determines the CRS cut-off for each draw based on the number of invitations available and the characteristics of candidates in the Express Entry pool. Higher scores are typically required when there are fewer spots available.

10. What is Canada's category-based selection and how does it work?

Category-based selection involves targeting specific groups of candidates to meet Canada's economic and immigration goals. It allows for tailored invitations based on factors like job type, provincial nomination, or other criteria set by IRCC.

11. What are the best ways to increase your Express Entry score?

Improving language proficiency, gaining additional education or credentials, securing a job offer, and obtaining a provincial nomination are effective ways to increase your CRS score in Express Entry.

12. What are the 3 main types of immigrant categories accepted into Canada? 

The main types of immigrant categories accepted into Canada include economic immigrants (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs), family-class immigrants, and refugees.

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