Your Ticket to Canada Just Got Easier: Explore the All-New Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

The first-ever category-based selection for Express Entry was just announced today. Category-based selections will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to prospective applications with specific skills, training or language abilities. This will better allow for the selection of applicants with the most in-demand skills to be chosen to receive permanent residence.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

To benefit, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least 6 months of work experience in the last 3 years in a qualifying occupation. 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,

TO WHOM IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL:

This year, the focus will be on Express Entry Candidates who have a strong French-language proficiency or experience in one of the following fields:

With a bit of luck, hard work, and with determination, many people have successfully fulfilled their dream of settling in Canada and building a new life in this growing and beautiful Country. The best and easiest way to apply for Express Entry in Canada is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. It is really important to make sure that you provide accurate and complete information in your profile. Overall, the key to a successful Express Entry application is to make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and provide all the necessary documentation and information as accurately and completely as possible.

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food

CATEGORY-BASED SELECTION CAN BE HELPFUL FOR SEVERAL REASONS:

Targeted immigration: Category-based selection allows a country to prioritize the entry of individuals who possess specific skills, qualifications, or attributes that are in high demand or align with their economic and social needs. By focusing on specific categories, the government can tailor its immigration policies to address labor market shortages, promote economic growth, or meet other strategic objectives.

Streamlined processing: Categorizing candidates can streamline the application process by allowing immigration authorities to assess applicants based on predefined criteria. This can help in efficiently managing the influx of applications and reducing the processing time, benefiting both applicants and the immigration system.

Improved integration: When a country selects candidates based on specific categories, it can prioritize individuals who are likely to integrate well into the society and labor market. For example, selecting candidates with language proficiency, relevant work experience, or educational qualifications that are recognized in the country can enhance their chances of successful integration and contribution to the economy.

Addressing regional disparities: Category-based selection can also be used to address regional disparities within a country. By assigning different weights or preferences to candidates based on the region they intend to settle in, the government can promote development in specific areas or ensure a more equitable distribution of immigrants across the country.

Regarding who might benefit from category-based selection, it depends on the specific categories and criteria implemented by the Canadian government. Generally, individuals who possess skills or qualifications that are in high demand in Canada's labor market, such as those in STEM fields, healthcare, or trades, may have increased opportunities for selection. However, the actual beneficiaries would depend on the specific details of the categories and the government's objectives.

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.

WHEN WILL CATEGORY-BASED ROUNDS OF INVITATIONS START?

Category-based draws are expected to begin taking place this summer. More information will likely be made available in the next few weeks.

Further information about individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks.