Canada is launching category-based Express Entry draws, which will target Express Entry candidates in certain occupations, or who speak French.
The first category-based Express Entry draw is expected to take place this summer. Canada moved to add category-based selection in an effort to make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s labour market. Before category-based Express Entry draws, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could only invite candidates based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and program type—which includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
This is the first time Canada has introduced category-based selection for its flagship Express Entry system.
New Categories Introduced
These draws will focus on candidates who have a strong French language proficiency; or work experience in the following fields:
Conclusion
Canada will continue to hold all-program, and program-specific draws alongside category-based draws. These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. 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. The law requires IRCC to engage in public consultations before establishing a new category. Each year, IRCC must also report to Parliament on the categories that were chosen during the previous year and the selection process, including the rationale for choosing them. This is an effort to curb instances of special interest groups lobbying for their own category-based selection.