Evolution of Express Entry in 2023: Category-based Selection Mechanism

Express Entry stands as a pivotal program for Canada’s immigration, drawing skilled individuals to contribute to the nation’s economic aspirations. In 2023, category-based invitation rounds were integrated alongside the existing program-based draws to effectively address the country’s labor market demands. This article outlines the mechanics of category-based selection under Express Entry, highlighting the prominent categories for the year and the qualifying criteria for receiving an invitation to apply during these rounds.

In 2023, the Canadian government introduced a system where candidates from the Express Entry pool meeting specific predefined categories can be invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. These categories are determined yearly in alignment with Canada’s economic objectives and may pertain to language proficiency, work history, or educational background of the candidates.

Understanding the Category-based Invitation Rounds

These category-based invitation rounds operate alongside the existing selection rounds for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) within the Express Entry framework. Only candidates eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs with an active Express Entry profile are considered for category-based selection.

Priority Categories for 2023:

For the year 2023, the Canadian government has identified several priority categories for the category-based selection rounds under the Express Entry system. These categories aim to address specific labor market needs and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The designated priority categories for 2023 are as follows:

French-language proficiency: Candidates with a demonstrated proficiency in the French language at an intermediate level or higher (NCLC 7 or above in all four language abilities) will receive priority. This is in line with Canada’s commitment to promoting bilingualism and supporting Francophone communities across the country.
Healthcare occupations: This category encompasses a wide range of healthcare professions, including but not limited to audiologists, speech-language pathologists, chiropractors, dentists, general practitioners or family physicians, licensed practical nurses, laboratory technologists, medical sonographers, nurse practitioners, nurses’ aides, occupational therapists, optometrists, paramedics, pharmacy assistants, physiotherapists, psychologists, registered nurses, veterinarians, and more. The focus on healthcare professionals highlights the significance of the healthcare sector in Canada’s ongoing development and well-being.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations: This category includes professionals with expertise in various fields such as architecture, engineering (civil, computer, electrical, and electronics), science management, computer and information systems management, software development, cybersecurity, data science, mathematics, statistics, web design, and related disciplines. Emphasizing STEM occupations reflects Canada’s commitment to technological advancement and innovation, which are vital for the country’s long-term economic prosperity.
Trade occupations: This category targets individuals with experience in various trade professions, including residential and commercial installers, elevator constructors or mechanics, machine fitters, construction millwrights or industrial mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, machine operators, and others. Prioritizing trade occupations recognizes the importance of skilled trades in sustaining essential infrastructural development and construction projects across the nation.
Transport occupations: Candidates with expertise in transportation-related roles are included in this category. It encompasses individuals with experience as aircraft assemblers, transport truck drivers, railway or marine traffic controllers, engineer officers or deck officers for water transport, air traffic controllers, air pilots, flight engineers, flying instructors, aircraft mechanics, or transportation managers. Recognizing the significance of the transportation sector underscores Canada’s commitment to ensuring efficient and reliable transport systems for both goods and people.
Agriculture and agri-food occupations: This category includes individuals with experience in various roles related to agriculture and agri-food activities. This may involve positions such as landscaping, ground maintenance or horticulture contractors or supervisors, agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, or butchers. Prioritizing agriculture and agri-food occupations underscores the importance of the agricultural sector in Canada’s food production and security, as well as the sustainable management of natural resources.

Eligibility Criteria for Category-based Selection

To qualify for category-based selection within the Express Entry system, you need to satisfy the following conditions:

Fulfil all the prerequisites of the Express Entry program, including demonstrating work experience and providing evidence of language proficiency. Additionally, you must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the three Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
Possess an active Express Entry profile.
Adhere to all the category-specific guidelines provided by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the time of the category-based invitation round announcement.

Apart from the general prerequisites for Express Entry, candidates are required to fulfil specific criteria tailored to each category. While the category-based eligibility standards are typically disclosed during the invitation rounds, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined certain minimum conditions that candidates must meet. These criteria are subject to change in accordance with the country’s evolving economic goals and demands.

Eligibility Criteria for the French Language Category:

For candidates to be eligible for the French language category invitation round in Express Entry, they must:

Have undertaken an approved French language test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) within the last two years (expired results are not acceptable).
Achieve a minimum score of 7 in each of the four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

Eligibility Criteria for Occupation-Related Categories:

Candidates seeking an invitation to apply for permanent residence under an occupation-related category must meet the following requireme

Accumulate at least six months of full-time continuous work experience (or the equivalent in part-time work) within the past three years in a single eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) within the relevant occupation category.
The work experience can be acquired either within Canada or abroad.
The work experience should cover all the essential duties and a majority of the main duties specified in that NOC.
Note: Some occupations within these categories are regulated or may require additional certifications for candidates to practice in Canada. To avoid employment delays, it is advisable for candidates to plan on acquiring the necessary certifications before or shortly after their arrival.

The selection of priority categories for the Express Entry system is based on comprehensive labor market analysis and forecasts, along with insights gathered from various sources, including provinces, territories, and diverse stakeholders. These categories are chosen to align with Canada’s economic objectives, addressing persistent labor shortages and supporting the nation’s economic priorities. Regular reassessment of these categories is undertaken to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.

Qualifying for category-based selection within the Express Entry framework necessitates meeting the following criteria:

Possession of a valid Express Entry profile linked to an application under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Demonstration of proficiency in French OR possession of qualifying work experience within one of the prioritized occupations (ensuring that the job responsibilities correspond to those outlined in the National Occupational Classification [NOC]).
Accumulation of at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in the relevant field within the past three years.

Note: Given the potential selection of new categories for 2024, individuals with active profiles should monitor the priority categories and their respective eligibility requirements if their profiles remain valid in the upcoming year.