Understanding Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

One of the most popular pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) is the Express Entry system. With the required minimum CRS points very high at the moment, it's more important than ever to understand the category-based selection and if you are eligible. Let's talk more about the current Express Entry categories.

What is Category-Based Selection?

Category-Based Selection is a targeted approach introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that aims to align invitations with the specific skills and experiences needed in the Canadian labor market. For example, sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades have been identified as high-demand categories. By inviting candidates who possess the relevant skills, Canada hopes to fill critical vacancies while allowing skilled workers to obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency more easily.

How Does It Work?

The Category-Based Selection process identifies specific fields that respond directly to Canada's labor demands based on work experience in a specific job. For instance, if you are a software developer or a registered nurse, your skills may place you in the spotlight for receiving an ITA during certain rounds of invitations.

Current Express Entry categories are:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services occupations

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

• Trade occupations

• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

• Education occupations

Jobs are categorized based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC), you can view the current NOC system here on the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). IRCC provides a list of all the NOCs (jobs) included in each category, you can view the searchable NOC list here on the IRCC website.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Category-Based Selection, you must create a profile in the Express Entry system and enter the pool for candidates. This means you must be eligible for at least one of the main Express Entry (EE) programs; Canadian Experience Class (CEC); Federal Skilled Worker (FSW); or Federal Skilled Trades (FST).

• For all the categories except 'French-language proficiency', applicants must...

• have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)

  • in a single occupation listed in the table below

  • in Canada or abroad

• meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round

• For the 'French-language proficiency' category, applicants must...

• have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens

• meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round

Your Path Forward

Stay informed about the categories prioritized each year, and ensure your application is thoroughly prepared. With diligent planning and preparation, you can improve your chances of receiving an ITA and begin your exciting journey toward becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

Working with an RCIC can increase your chances of navigating the ever-changing Express Entry system and keep you on track to receiving an ITA. Contact us for more information on Express Entry, category-based selection eligibility, and how we can support you.