Express Entry Category-Based Selections in 2023

Category-Based Express Entry

The Express Entry program’s category-based draws have revolutionized the Canadian immigration system, offering a streamlined and efficient pathway for skilled individuals to obtain permanent residency. Category-based draws for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to target specific occupations and skill sets to meet the country’s economic needs. 

These draws prioritize candidates with relevant work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications in specific fields. The category-based draws enable the IRCC to select highly qualified individuals who possess the skills and expertise that align with Canada’s labor market requirements.

Category-Based Express Entry Draw: Healthcare

The healthcare system of Canada remains a pillar of the nation, upholding its core principles of universality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness. The government continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure and resources, striving to meet the growing demands of an aging population and advancing medical technologies. From doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners to medical technologists and support staff, the demand for these essential workers continues to rise. 

In the Express Entry draws, healthcare professionals are accorded high priority, it can be seen by the special Healthcare draw under the category-based draws. On July 6, 2023, Canada released the Category-Based Express Entry Draw Number 255, which invited 1,500 applicants in the Healthcare occupation. Skilled healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, medical laboratory technologists, physiotherapists, and other allied health practitioners, are actively sought after to address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.

Draw No. Date Program ITAs Min. CRS
255
July 6, 2023
Healthcare Occupations
1,500
463
252
June 28, 2023
Healthcare Occupations
500
476

Candidates with experience and qualifications in these fields receive invitations under the category-based draws, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. By prioritizing healthcare professionals, Canada aims to enhance its healthcare services, ensure quality patient care, and bolster the nation’s response to medical challenges and emergencies. 

Category-Based Express Entry Draw: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions in Canada continue to play a vital role in driving innovation, economic growth, and societal development. The country has witnessed a steady increase in the demand for skilled professionals in various STEM fields, including computer science, engineering, data analytics, biotechnology, and renewable energy. 

Canada’s Express Entry prioritizes candidates with STEM expertise, making it attractive for international talent seeking immigration opportunities. On July 5, 2023, Canada released the Category-Based Express Entry Draw Number 254, which invited 500 STEM professionals.

Draw No. Date Program ITAs Min. CRS
254
July 5, 2023
STEM Occupations
500
486

The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class place a strong emphasis on attracting skilled workers with expertise in STEM fields. Candidates with education, work experience, and language proficiency in these areas receive higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, giving them a competitive advantage in the draw. 

Category-Based Express Entry Draw: Skilled Trade

In the Express Entry draw, trade workers are given priority as the country recognizes the importance of skilled trades in maintaining a robust and diversified workforce. Under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), trade workers with relevant qualifications, experience, and language proficiency are highly sought after. On August 3, 2023, Canada released the Category-Based Express Entry Draw Number 261, which invited 1500 Trade professionals with a CRS score of 388 or higher. 

The Canadian government actively encourages applications from skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and others to address labor shortages in these critical sectors.

Draw No. Date Program ITAs Min. CRS
261
August 3, 2023
Trade Occupations
1,500
388

By prioritizing trade workers in the Express Entry Category based draws, Canada aims to support its growing economy, enhance infrastructure development, and maintain a skilled workforce to meet the demands of various industries and ensure sustainable economic growth for the future.

Category-Based Express Entry Draw: Transport

The transportation sector in Canada remains a critical component of the nation’s economy and infrastructure. With its vast geographic expanse, Canada relies heavily on a well-developed transportation network to facilitate the movement of goods, people, and services across the country. The sector comprises a diverse range of modes, including road, rail, air, and maritime transportation, each playing a vital role in supporting trade, commerce, and tourism. 

Candidates with work experience in the transportation sector could potentially invitation to apply if they have skills and qualifications that align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed in demand by the Canadian government and meet the threshold for the draw. Express Entry draws prioritize candidates with high CRS scores, and while the transportation sector itself is not singled out, skilled workers in this field can still benefit from the points system if they meet the criteria set by the Canadian immigration authorities.

The province of Ontario in Canada initiated a program to offer free training for truck drivers in response to the growing demand for commercial drivers in the transportation industry. Recognizing the importance of a skilled and qualified workforce to support the logistics and supply chain sectors, the program aimed to address the shortage of truck drivers in the province. For details please refer to the Ontario government website.

Category-Based Express Entry Draw: Agriculture & Agri-Food

The agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada continues to be a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, food security, and rural communities. Renowned for its high-quality agricultural products, Canada is a major exporter of grains, oilseeds, meat, dairy, and seafood, playing a significant role in global food markets. The sector serves as a crucial pillar of rural communities, providing employment opportunities and supporting livelihoods for thousands of Canadians and immigrants from around the world.

If you need help with your application, we provide expert guidance and assistance to applicants navigating the category-based Express Entry system in Canada.

With our in-depth knowledge of the Canadian immigration process and comprehensive understanding of the different Express Entry categories, we can tailor personalized solutions to meet your application’s needs and qualifications. 

Whether you are applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), we offer valuable insights and support throughout the entire application process. We assist with document preparation, ensuring that you meet the specific requirements for your chosen category and maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). 

Through our dedication and commitment to excellence, we serve as trusted allies for applicants pursuing their dreams of permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system.

Disclaimer

Please note that none of the information on this website should be construed as being legal advice. As well, you should not rely on any of the information contained in this website when determining whether and how to apply to a given program.
Canadian immigration law is constantly changing, and the information above may be outdated.
If you have a question about the contents of this blog, or any question about Canadian immigration law, please contact the Author. Please book a consultation if you would like to get answers to general immigration questions and advice specific to your situation.

About Chitra & Associates

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc. is an Immigration Consulting company specialising in Canadian Immigration and Visa Services. We provide services in the area of Economic Immigration, permanent residency for Canada for Individuals, Business Immigration, work permits, visitor visas, study permits, and much more.

Get in touch with us!

Recent Posts

Sign up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date with Canadian immigration news. 

Schedule a Visit

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc.

Please note that the walk-in appointments are ONLY to inquire about our services and pricing. If you would like advise specific to your situation, additional charges will apply. If you would like to book a paid consultation and check our prices, you can do so at this link. When you walk in, you can sign up for our services. Please bring the appropriate documentation in order to get started.
Call Now