New Opportunities for Express Entry Candidates Through Category-Based Selection Draws
October 29,2024 Amritpal Kaur
As Express Entry candidates navigate the immigration landscape, the introduction of category-based selection draws has opened up new avenues for those with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 500. With the general draws consistently maintaining cut-offs above 500 throughout 2024, these targeted selections offer a lifeline to skilled workers in specific professions.
What Are Category-Based Selection Draws?
Launched in 2023 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), category-based selection draws prioritize candidates based on Canada’s current labour market and demographic needs. The focus areas include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
To qualify for a category-based selection draw, candidates must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in their occupation within the past three years.
Real-World Examples of Success
Here are illustrative profiles of candidates who could benefit from the recent category-based selection draws:
1.Transport Sector Candidate
Profile: A 30-year-old logistics coordinator from Brazil with four years of experience managing supply chains.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration and advanced English skills (CLB 9).
CRS Score: 440.
Outcome: With a recent cut-off of 430 for transport occupations, this candidate would likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
2.Agriculture and Agri-food Candidate
Profile: A 36-year-old farm manager from Mexico who moved to Canada on a work permit.
Qualifications: Three years of experience in agricultural management and a diploma in agronomy, along with CLB 7 in English.
CRS Score: 450.
Outcome: With a cut-off of 437 in the latest agriculture draw, this candidate meets the requirements for an ITA.
3.French-Speaking Candidate
Profile: A 28-year-old software developer from Algeria with over four years of experience in the tech industry.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, CLB 8 in French, and CLB 6 in English.
CRS Score: 485.
Outcome: Exceeding the cut-off of 444 in the last French-language proficiency draw, this candidate is well-positioned to receive an ITA.
The Impact of Category-Based Selection
Since the introduction of these targeted draws, there has been a marked decrease in general draws, with the last one held in April 2024. In contrast, the frequency of draws for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and category-based selections has increased significantly.
The minimum CRS score for general draws has risen from an average of 489 in the first half of 2023 to 536 in the first half of 2024, creating a nearly 50-point increase. Meanwhile, the cut-off for French language proficiency has dipped as low as 336, reflecting the IRCC's commitment to attracting more bilingual candidates.
Future Directions
The IRCC is actively considering new categories based on feedback from various stakeholders, including provincial and territorial representatives and industry leaders. This adaptability ensures that Canada’s immigration system remains aligned with economic and labour market needs.
As eligible candidates keep their profiles updated, they will be considered for any category-based draws they qualify for, enhancing their chances of securing permanent residency in Canada. With these targeted opportunities, skilled workers can find a pathway to a brighter future in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.