IRCC to Continue Using Category-Based Selection in Express Entry in 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will continue using the six existing categories for category-based selection in Express Entry draws throughout 2024.

What is Category-Based Selection?

Introduced in May 2023, this system targets Express Entry candidates with specific skills and experience in areas crucial to Canada’s economic needs. These categories include:

• French language proficiency
• Work experience in healthcare occupations
• Work experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations
• Work experience in trade occupations
• Work experience in transport occupations
• Work experience in agriculture and agri-food occupations

By selecting candidates from these categories, IRCC aims to fill labor shortages in key sectors and contribute to the country’s economic well-being. Additionally, the French language category helps promote French language use outside Quebec.

How has It Worked So Far?

Since its launch in June 2023, over 16,000 candidates have been invited through category-based selection draws. In 2024, one draw has already invited 7,000 candidates with French language proficiency.

Who is Eligible?

Only individuals with existing Express Entry profiles qualify for category-based selection. Other economic immigrants outside the Express Entry pool are not eligible.

Work Experience Requirements:

For work-experience based categories, candidates must have accumulated at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past three years, in a single occupation, either within or outside Canada.

French Language Proficiency Requirement:

Candidates invited through the French language category must achieve a score of 7 in all four categories (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a system managing applications for three major economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

These programs use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors like work experience, age, language skills, and education. Higher CRS scores increase the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Conclusion:

The continuation of category-based selection in 2024 demonstrates IRCC’s commitment to attracting skilled individuals who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth and social fabric.