What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?

Jemima Sultana

8 min read

Updated On Apr 10, 2025

What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?

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What is Canada Category-Based Selection?
How Does the Canada Category-Based Selection Work?
What is New in the Canada Category-Based Selection in 2025?
What are the New Categories Under the Express Entry Canada Category-Based Selection?
Eligibility Criteria for Each of the Category-Based Draws
What are the Occupation Lists 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
Unlock the Path to Your Dreams with Canada Category-Based Selection

In 2023, Canada introduced a game-changing move in its immigration process — the Canada Category-Based Selection for Express Entry candidates. This new system isn’t just about points anymore; it focuses on candidates with specific work experience, language skills, or qualifications. It’s Canada’s way of aligning immigration more closely with labor market needs.

From tech experts to healthcare professionals, this approach opens targeted pathways for skilled workers. Curious if your profile fits into one of these categories? Then let’s explore the Canada category-based selection process in detail.

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.

Also Read: Canada PR Requirements 2025

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.

Check Out: How to Apply for Canada PR

What is New in the Canada Category-Based Selection in 2025?

Canada is refining its immigration priorities for 2025 with updates to the Canada Category-Based Selection system. The focus is shifting toward specific professions and language skills to better match long-term workforce needs. Here's what’s changing this year.

Individuals with experience in trades, healthcare, or strong French language skills will be prioritised in the 2025 Express Entry draws.
A new education-focused category has been introduced to better address Canada’s future labour market needs.
Although STEM and Agriculture categories are still listed on the IRCC website, they are not the central focus of this year’s selection.

Read the Latest Update: Changes in Canada Express Entry Draw Categories: 2025 Updates

What 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's category-based selection.

French-language proficiency
Healthcare and Social Services occupations
Education occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Quick Read: Canada PR Visa Fees From India

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 Canada PR.

Below are the eligibility criteria as per the new Canada category-based selection:

Categories	Eligibility
French-language proficiency	Achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language skills on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Fulfill all the specific requirements outlined in the instructions for that selection round
Healthcare and Social Services occupations	Minimum of 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past 3 years Experience must be In a single eligible occupation listed under this category gained either in Canada or outside the country Must meet all criteria outlined in the specific Express Entry round’s instructions
Education Occupations	Must have at least 6 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience gained within the last 3 years Work experience must be in one eligible education-related occupation under this category from either within Canada or another country Must fulfill all specific criteria outlined in the instructions for the relevant Express Entry round
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations	Must have completed at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years Work experience must be in a single eligible STEM occupation listed under this category gained either in Canada or outside the country Must meet all criteria specified in the instructions for that particular round of invitations
Trade occupations	Must have at least 6 months of full-time, uninterrupted work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years Work experience must be in one eligible occupation listed under the trade category gained either in Canada or outside the country Must fulfill all specific criteria outlined for the particular round of invitations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations	Must have at least 6 months of full-time, uninterrupted work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past 3 years Experience must be in one eligible occupation listed under the agriculture and agri-food category gained either in Canada or outside the country Must fulfill all criteria specified in the instructions for the specific draw round

Explore: List of Documents Required For Canada PR From India in 2025

What are the Occupation Lists 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 and Social Services Occupations NOC Codes

In order to qualify for healthcare occupations, IRCC accepts work experience under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.

Occupation	NOC code	TEER category
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians	32104	2
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists	31112	1
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists	32123	2
Chiropractors	31201	1
Dental hygienists and dental therapists	32111	2
Dentists	31110	1
Dieticians and nutritionists	31121	1
General practitioners and family physicians	31102	1
Licensed practical nurses	32101	2
Massage therapists	32201	2
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations	33101	3
Medical laboratory technologists	32120	2
Medical radiation technologists	32121	2
Medical sonographers	32122	2
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates	33102	3
Nurse practitioners	31302	1
Nursing coordinators and supervisors	31300	1
Occupational therapists	31203	1
Optometrists	31111	1
Other medical technologists and technicians	32129	2
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating	31209	1
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment	32109	2
Paramedical occupations	32102	2
Pharmacists	31120	1
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants	33103	3
Pharmacy technicians	32124	2
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals	31303	1
Physiotherapists	31202	1
Psychologists	31200	1
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses	31301	1
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	32103	2
Social and community service workers	42201	2
Social workers	41300	1
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine	31100	1
Specialists in surgery	31101	1
Therapists in counselling and related specialised therapies	41301	1
Veterinarians	31103	1

Also Read: 10 Best Provinces in Canada for PR 2025: For Students and Working Professionals

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations NOC Codes

The following are the NOC codes for STEM Occupations:

Occupation	2021 NOC code	2021 TEER category
Architecture and science managers	20011	0
Civil engineering technologists and technicians	22300	2
Civil Engineers	21300	1
Cybersecurity specialists	21220	1
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	22310	2
Electrical and electronics engineers	21310	1
Geological Engineers	21331	1
Industrial and manufacturing engineers	21321	1
Insurance agents and brokers	63100	3
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	22301	2
Mechanical Engineers	21301	1

Explore: Proven tips on How to increase CRS Score

3. Education Occupations NOC Codes

Here are the NOC codes for Education occupations:

Occupation	NOC code	TEER category
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants	43100	3
Instructors of persons with disabilities	42203	2
Early childhood educators and assistants	42202	2
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers	41221	1
Secondary school teachers	41220	1

Quick Read: 10 Best Canada PR Benefits for Indians in 2025

4. Trade Occupations NOC Codes

The following are the NOC codes for Trade Occupations:

Occupation	NOC code	TEER category
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services	82021	2
Floor covering installers	73113	3
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)	73112	3
Roofers and shinglers	73110	3
Concrete finishers	73100	3
Other technical trades and related occupations	72999	2
Water well drillers	72501	2
Electrical mechanics	72422	2
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics	72402	2
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics	72401	2
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics	72400	2
Bricklayers	72320	2
Cabinetmakers	72311	2
Carpenters	72310	2
Gas fitters	72302	2
Plumbers	72300	2
Industrial electricians	72201	2
Electricians (except industrial and power system)	72200	2
Welders and related machine operators	72106	2
Sheet metal workers	72102	2
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors	72100	2
Home building and renovation managers	70011	0
Construction managers	70010	0
Cooks	63200	3
Construction estimators	22303	2

Suggested Reading: Canada PR Processing Time From India in 2025

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:

Occupation	2021 NOC code	2021 TEER category
Butchers - retail and wholesale	63201	3

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.

Explore: IRCC Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025 - 2027 Unveiled

Latest Update on the Canada Category-Based Selection

In 2025, Express Entry draws have extended a large number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under various categories. Below is a complete overview of all the draws held so far.

Date	Draw type	Number of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score
March 21	French language proficiency	7,500	379
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6, 2025	French language proficiency	4,500	410
March 3, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19, 2025	French language proficiency	6,500	428
February 17, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
February 4, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	455	802
January 23, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
January 7, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	471	793

Latest Update: Canada Issues 8,036 PR Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draws

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, 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?

Yes, having an Express Entry profile is still a requirement for selection, even if you work in one of the eligible occupations. It is essential to meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Express Entry-managed programs, which include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Will the CRS no longer count for Express Entry?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of a candidate will continue to be relevant for Express Entry draws. IRCC will continue to conduct draws where candidates are invited without consideration of the six categories. These draws may include all-program draws or category-based specific draws.

What should I do if my Occupation is not listed in the new Canada category-based selection?

IRCC announced the introduction of category-based rounds of invitations will complement the existing general and provincial rounds. This indicates that all program draws will continue to be held. Even if your occupation is not listed in the targeted categories, you will still have the opportunity to be considered in the general draws for Express Entry.

Are there still Express Entry draws for PNP candidates in the new Canada Category-based selection?

Yes, candidates who have received a provincial or territorial nomination will still be invited through general draws and rounds specific to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Why are there new Canada categories?

The newly introduced categories aim to address the significant number of unfilled positions across Canada. By targeting specific sectors, this approach can effectively alleviate labor shortages in various industries while also contributing to the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.