What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?
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Table of Contents
- What is Canada Category-Based Selection?
- How Does the Canada Category-Based Selection Work?
- Which are the New Categories Under the Express Entry Canada Category-Based Selection?
- Eligibility Criteria for Each of the Category-Based Draws
- Which are the NOC Codes or Occupation List as per the New Canada Category-Based Selection?
- How are the New Canada Category-Based Selections Chosen by IRCC?
- Latest Update on the Canada Category-Based Selection
The new Canada Category-based selection for Express Entry candidates was introduced on May 31, 2023. These categories will be specifically targeted in the category-based Express Entry draws initiated by IRCC. Let’s explore this blog and take a look at the different categories, eligibility, and NOC codes for each of these categories and how the Canada category-based selection works.
What is Canada Category-Based Selection?
Canada category-based selection is the new category in the Express Entry system that aims to address labor shortages and promote the growth of French language usage in minority communities outside of Quebec.
Canada is pressing the need for skilled workers across the country to overcome chronic labor shortages. These changes to the Express Entry system are designed to provide businesses with the necessary workforce while also supporting the growth of the economy.
With the ability to select immigrants based on key attributes, Canada's immigration system is now more responsive than ever to the country's social and economic needs.
How Does the Canada Category-Based Selection Work?
Every year, IRCC selects specific categories based on input from partners, labor market projections, and information.
While regular rounds of invitations and provincial or territorial nominations continue, category-based invitations are reserved for candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet specific criteria:
- Meeting all the requirements for the designated round of invitations.
- Being among the top-ranking candidates within the chosen category.
Which are the New Categories Under the Express Entry Canada Category-Based Selection?
For 2023, the Immigration and Refugee Council (IRCC) has selected six categories for Express Entry Canada category-based selection.
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Eligibility Criteria for Each of the Category-Based Draws
The Eligibility for an invitation in a category-based round requires meeting the minimum criteria for Express Entry and qualifying for one of the three covered immigration programs such as:
- Candidates must satisfy all the instructions and requirements specified for the particular category-based round.
- During the category-based round, eligible candidates within the pool will be ranked based on category-specific criteria.
- The top-ranking candidates will receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
Below are the eligibility criteria as per the new Canada category-based selection:
|
French-language proficiency |
Have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadians |
|
Healthcare occupations |
Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) |
|
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations |
Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) |
|
Trade occupations |
Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) |
|
Transport occupations |
Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) |
|
Agriculture and agri-food occupations |
Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) |
Which are the NOC Codes or Occupation List as per the New Canada Category-Based Selection?
The new Canada Category-Based Selection system introduces specific occupation lists or National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes that will be targeted for Express Entry invitations.
These occupation lists are designed to address the labor market needs and priorities of Canada.
1. Healthcare Occupations NOC Codes
In order to qualify for healthcare occupations, IRCC accepts work experience under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
|
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists, |
31112 |
Medical radiation technologists |
32121 |
Physiotherapists |
31303 |
|
Chiropractor |
31201 |
Medical Sonographers |
32121 |
Psychologists |
31200 |
|
Dentists |
31110 |
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates |
33102 |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
31301 |
|
Dieticians and nutritionists |
31121 |
Nurse practitioners |
33102 |
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists |
32103 |
|
Education counselors |
41320 |
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors |
31300 |
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
31100 |
|
General Practitioners and family physicians |
31102 |
Occupational therapists |
31203 |
Specialists in surgery |
31101 |
|
Instructors of persons with disabilities |
42203 |
Optometrists |
31111 |
Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies |
41301 |
|
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment |
31204 |
Other assisting occupations in support of health services |
33109 |
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists |
32200 |
|
Licensed practical nurses |
32101 |
Other practitioners of natural healing |
32209 |
Veterinarians |
31103 |
|
Massage therapists |
32201 |
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating |
31209 |
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
33103 |
|
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
33101 |
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
32109 |
Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals |
31303 |
|
Medical laboratory technologists |
32120 |
Paramedical occupations |
32102 |
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations NOC Codes
The following are the NOC codes for STEM Occupations:
|
Architects |
21200 |
Industrial and manufacturing engineers |
21321 |
|
Architecture and science managers |
20011 |
Information systems specialists |
21222 |
|
Business systems specialists |
21221 |
Land surveyors |
21203 |
|
Civil Engineers |
21300 |
Landscape Architects |
21201 |
|
Computer and information systems managers |
20012 |
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
21210 |
|
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
21311 |
Metallurgical and materials engineers |
21322 |
|
Computer systems developers and programmers |
21230 |
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers |
41400 |
|
Cybersecurity specialists |
21220 |
Software developers and programmers |
21232 |
|
Data scientists |
21211 |
Software engineers and designers |
21231 |
|
Database analysts and data administrators |
21223 |
Urban and land use planners |
21202 |
|
Electrical and electronics engineers |
21310 |
Web designers |
21233 |
|
Engineering managers |
20010 |
Web developers and programmers |
21234 |
3. Trade Occupations NOC Codes
The following are the NOC codes for Trade Occupations:
|
Residential and commercial installers and servicers |
73200 |
|
Elevator constructors and mechanics |
72406 |
|
Machine fitters |
72405 |
|
Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics |
72402 |
|
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
72400 |
|
Carpenters |
72310 |
|
Plumbers |
72300 |
|
Electricians (except industrial and power systems) |
72200 |
|
Welders and related machine operators |
72106 |
|
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and services |
72014 |
4. Transport Occupations NOC Codes
The following are the NOC codes for Transport Occupations:
|
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors |
93200 |
|
Transport truck drivers |
73300 |
|
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators |
72604 |
|
Engineer officers, water transport |
72603 |
|
Deck officers, water transport |
72602 |
|
Air traffic controllers and related occupations |
72601 |
|
Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors |
72600 |
|
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors |
72404 |
|
Railway carmen/women |
72403 |
|
Managers in transportation |
70020 |
5. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations NOC Codes
The last Canada category-based express entry groups cover the following NOC codes under the agriculture occupation:
|
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services |
82031 |
|
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
82030 |
|
Butchers- retail and wholesale |
63201 |
How are the New Canada Category-Based Selections Chosen by IRCC?
The selection of categories in the new system was based on the legal obligations of the Minister to engage in consultations with various stakeholders.
These consultations include provinces and territories, industry representatives, labor unions, employers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, as well as immigration researchers and practitioners.
Annually, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will provide a report to Parliament. This report will cover important details such as:
- The categories that were chosen in the previous year
- The rationale behind their selection
- The process followed to establish each category
- The number of invitations issued for each category.
This ensures transparency and accountability in the category-based selection process.
Latest Update on the Canada Category-Based Selection
In line with the latest update, IRCC sent out 10,900 invitations for category-based draws that were held to date. The first draw based on category since the Canada category-based selection was announced on May 31, 2023.
Below is the list of draws held till now:
|
August 3, 2023 |
1500 |
388 |
Trades Occupations |
|
August 2, 2023 |
800 |
435 |
French Language Proficiency |
|
July 12, 2023 |
3,800 |
375 |
French Language Proficiency |
|
2,300 |
439 |
French Language Proficiency |
|
|
1,500 |
463 |
Healthcare Occupations |
|
|
500 |
486 |
STEM Occupation |
|
|
500 |
476 |
Healthcare Occupations |
Unlock the Path to Your Dreams with Canada Category-Based Selection
Don't miss out on your opportunity to navigate the Category-Based Selection system and increase your chances of immigrating to Canada.
With the help of a GetGIS immigration consultant you can accurately assess your eligibility, calculate your points, stay informed about the latest updates in the immigration landscape, and realize your dream of living in Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still be selected if I work in one of the eligible occupations without an Express Entry profile, as per the new Canada category-based selection?
Will the CRS no longer count for Express Entry?
What should I do if my Occupation is not listed in the new Canada category-based selection?
Are there still Express Entry draws for PNP candidates in the new Canada Category-based selection?
Why are there new Canada categories?
