A new report by the Globe & Mail sheds light on IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draws targets for 2023. 

IRCC started holding category-based Express Entry draws in the month of June. Moreover, six categories have been chosen to achieve specific economic goals. 

In addition to the data received from IRCC, Globe & Mail reports that IRCC will emphasize on STEM occupations. Specifically, over 28% & 31% of category-based Express Entry draws invitations issued are expected to go to individuals with recent experience in certain STEM occupations, like software developers, data scientists, etc.

So far, only one round of STEM invites has been sent to 500 candidates.  

The target for STEM professions is much higher as compared to other categories. Notably, the target range for applicants with French language proficiency ranges from 11% to 15%. The target for specific professions within healthcare ranges from 9% to 12%, 3% to 4% is for trades, & 1% to 2%is for transportation & agricultural professions. 

What Is Express Entry?

IRCC uses Express Entry to manage applications of skilled professionals who wish to become permanent residents of Canada. It manages three programs, i.e., FSTP, FSWP, & CEC. 

Once an applicant submits a profile via Express Entry, applicants are ranked according to CRS. 

CRS is a point-based system that ranks applicants based on age, education, work experience, language skills, etc. The Canadian government selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool & further provides them with ITAs for PR. 

Express Entry has three types of draws: 

  • General Invitation Rounds

IRCC invites individuals with the highest-ranking CRS scores to apply for PR. 

  • Category-Based Invitation Rounds

The department invites individuals with the highest-ranking CRS scores who are eligible/ suitable for specific categories designated by IRCC to promote certain economic goals. 

  • Program-Specific Invitation Rounds     

IRCC invites applicants with the highest-ranking CRS scores eligible for a specific Express Entry program.

What Is Category-Based Express Entry Selection? 

IRCC has recently launched category-based Express Entry draws for applicants in the Express Entry pool. IRCC plans to focus on Express Entry candidates who have strong French language proficiency or relevant work experience in the following fields: 

  • STEM professions
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture/ Agri-Food 

These categories were chosen after a public consultation that drew over 289 responses from numerous stakeholders across the nation, labor market projections, & input obtained by IRCC partners & provinces/ territories.

Since the launch of category-based Express Entry draws, there have been three French language proficiency draws that invited 6,900 candidates to apply for PR. Moreover, there have been two healthcare professions as well, inviting 2,000 candidates & one trades profession inviting 1,500 candidates.