Express Entry – Category Based Selection

Understanding Express Entry – Category Based Criteria

In 2023, IRCC announced that it would start inviting candidates from the Express Entry Program Canada Pool, that meet the eligibility criteria set under specific pre-determined categories. These categories are determined annually in line with Canada’s economic goals, and focus on candidates’ language skills, work experience, or education.

To qualify for category-based selection under Canada Immigration Express Entry Draw, you need to meet all of the following criteria :-

• Have a valid Canada Express Entry Application profile with an application under FSW, FSTP or CEC program.

• Are proficient in French OR have a qualifying work experience under one of the priority occupations.

• Have a minimum of six months of fulltime work experience in your chosen occupation (from the priority list) withing the last three years.

The current priority categories (as of January 2024) are :-

• French-language proficiency: Candidates who can demonstrate at least an intermediate proficiency in French (NCLC 7 or higher in all four language abilities).

• Healthcare occupations: Including candidates with work experience as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, a chiropractor, dentist, general practitioner or family physician, licensed practical nurse, laboratory technologist, medical sonographer, nurse practitioner, nurses aide, occupational therapist, optometrist, paramedic, pharmacy assistant, physiotherapist, psychologist, registered nurse, veterinarian, etc.

• Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations: Including candidates with work experience as an architect, engineer (including civil engineer, computer engineer, electrical and electronics engineer, engineering manager, or software engineer), science manager, computer and information systems manager, developer or programmer, cyber security specialist, data scientist, land surveyor, mathematician, statistician, software developer, web designer, etc.

• Trade occupations: Including candidates with work experience as a residential and commercial installer, elevator constructor or mechanic, machine fitter, construction millwright or industrial mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician, welder, machine operator, etc.

• Transport occupations: Including candidates with work experience as an aircraft assembler, transport truck driver, railway or marine traffic controller, engineer officer or deck officer for water transport, air traffic controller, air pilot, flight engineer, flying instructor, aircraft mechanic, or manager in transportation.

• Agriculture and agri-food occupations: Including candidates with work experience as a landscaping, ground maintenance or horticulture contractor or supervisor, agricultural service contractor, farm supervisor, or butcher.