Canada Express Entry Category-Based Immigration in 2024

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have introduced a significant change for Express Entry by implementing category-based draws and priority immigration. The new policy is imposed to give priority immigration to specific categories and occupations due to the shortage of skills in these categories. After passing Bill C-19, Canada officially launched the category draws, and July month witnessed the first-ever category-based selection for Express Entry. And these draws have led to a strong foundation of what to expect in the upcoming draws. As per the trends, invitations increase with a lowered category CRS score.

Below is the list of categories considered for category-based draws:

• French-language proficiency, or
• Healthcare occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
• Trade occupations
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Each category holds significant importance in sustaining Canada's economy and strengthening its labor force. However, two selection categories stand out due to the many eligible occupations they encompass.

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What are the occupations under these categories?

Who is eligible for Category-based immigration?

To qualify for an invitation through a category-based round, applicants must fulfill all the requirements specified for that particular round. Canada will hold draws for each category each month, and applicants must meet specific conditions depending on the targeted category. The following are the eligibility criteria:

• French-language proficiency: Must have a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities of a French-language test on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
• Healthcare occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations 
• Trade occupations
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

To become eligible for the abovementioned occupations, you must have at least three years of experience with at least six months of continuous work experience in one of the targeted NOC codes.

Which category has the most jobs?

Healthcare occupations are highly sought after in Canada, with a substantial number of in-demand jobs in Canada across various categories. However, the Healthcare and Social Assistance field is particularly in demand. The latest job vacancy data from Statistics Canada, as of March 2023, reveals that the healthcare and social assistance sector accounted for 144,500 vacant positions, comprising 17.7% of all unfilled positions in the country. Notably, all provinces in Canada are experiencing shortages in the healthcare sector, with Ontario and Quebec facing the highest shortages, accounting for 55,000 and 40,000 job vacancies, respectively.

Apart from healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations are also witnessing a surge in demand across Canada. According to a report by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, the Information, Communications, and Technology industry's revenues reached an impressive estimated $242 billion in 2021. Furthermore, Canada has established itself as a prominent hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a noteworthy presence of 1,032 AI and machine learning companies. A report by Statistics Canada, released in April of the current year, revealed that the median starting income for international students in a STEM occupation with an undergraduate degree (as of 2019) was $52,000.

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