Canada Launches Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

Canada announces category-based selection for Express Entry draws. This is the first-ever launch of selection by category for Canada’s Express Entry. STEM workers and healthcare professionals among those to benefit.

On May 31, 2023, the Canadian government finally launched the much-awaited category-based selection criteria for Express Entry round of invitations. An online system to manage Canadian permanent residence applications, Express Entry was started in 2015. The first Express Entry draw was held on January 31, 2015.

The Canadian labour market has a high demand for skilled labour. Employers in Canada are eagerly looking to fill countless vacant positions across the country. Immigration has emerged as one of the critical ways of solving the labour shortage.

As per the official IRCC News Release announcing introduction of category-based selection, the Government of Canada is building an immigration system that -

1. acts as a catalyst for growth,
2. empowers Canadian businesses,
3. helps address labour requirements, and
4. strengthens French communities.

When taken together, these efforts will make sure that “Canadians benefit from economic and social prosperity for years to come”.

As of now, the ranking of the Express Entry candidate - based on their score on the 1,200-point Comprehensive Ranking System - is the main criteria for selection.

Why category-based selection for Express Entry?

A selection of Express Entry candidates based on categories will allow the Canadian government to shortlist prospective immigrants based on -

• specific skills,
• training, or
• language ability.

There has been much speculation in the recent past as to how Express Entry draws would change in 2023. Finally, the much-awaited announcement was made by IRCC to the effect. More details are yet to be released.

What are the categories for Express Entry draws in 2023?

For the year 2023, IRCC has selected 6 categories for Express Entry draws to be held from June onwards. These categories are -

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations
2. Healthcare occupations
3. Transport occupations
4. Trade occupations
5. Agriculture and agri-food occupations
6. French-language proficiency

Going ahead, this year category-based Express Entry selection invitations will focus on candidates that come under any of the 6 above-mentioned categories.

What are the benefits of category-based selection in Express Entry?

By selecting candidates based on categories, Express Entry will be -

• More responsive to the evolving economic and labour market requirements, and
• Better equipped to build on the high human capital approach.

Canada’s priority remains a focus on bringing in skilled workers that have the potential to - (1) contribute to the Canadian labour market, and (2) integrate in the Canadian society.

When will category-based Express Entry draws start?

IRCC is expected to send out the first category-based invitations to apply in June 2023. The chosen category for a particular Express Entry draw will be announced in advance.

What types of Express Entry draws are held by IRCC?

In future, IRCC will hold 3 types of Express Entry draws -

1. General round, inviting top-ranked candidates based on CRS score who are eligible for any 1 of the 3 Express Entry programs.
2. Program-specific, top-ranking candidates that are eligible for a specific Express Entry program, (FSWP, CEC, FSTP, or PNP)
3. Category-based, a category is established for a specific economic goal. Top-ranking candidates are then invited who are eligible for that specific category.

How will the new category-based draws benefit Indians?

India has been the top source country for new Canadian permanent residents. As per the latest 2022 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration (for the period ending December 31, 2022), 32% of Canada PR visas issued in 2021 went to Indians.

Source: IRCC

Canada remains a popular destination for tech workers from India. With a specific category for STEM candidates, it could become much easier for skilled workers from India to get Canada PR visa. With categories on trade occupations and transport occupations, plumbers, truck drivers, electricians etc. will also be in focus.

Health occupations and agriculture and agri-food occupations also get categories of their own.

Express Entry draws are all set to change in the near future. According to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser, “We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities. Put simply, Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social or economic needs.”

Now is the right time to prepare to immigrate to Canada from India. Express Entry is the main way to get Canada PR. Many other PR pathways are also available.

To know more, contact Kansas Overseas today. Free consultation provided.