Canada’s Express Entry system is a pivotal component of the country’s immigration policy.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed the continuation of six categories eligible for category-based selection in Express Entry draws for 2024.
Express Entry manages applications for three significant economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns scores based on factors such as work experience, education, language skills, and others. These scores determine the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
What is the CRS Score?
Each candidate’s CRS score is a numeric value assigned based on their profile’s human capital factors. The higher the score, the better the chances of receiving an ITA. Stay tuned for our upcoming post, where we'll delve into the CRS score details and provide tips on optimizing your score.
Current Eligible Categories and Requirements
IRCC chooses categories based on labor market projections and input from stakeholders across Canada. Annually, IRCC reports to Parliament on the chosen categories, the rationale behind the selections, and the number of invitations issued.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, candidates must:
Meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the three immigration programs it covers.
Meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round.
When IRCC holds a category-based round of invitations, it will:
Rank candidates in the pool who meet the category requirements.
Invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Find out who is eligible for each category:
1. French-Language Proficiency
To qualify for the French-language proficiency category in the Express Entry system, candidates must:
Have French-language test results that demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in all four language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), based on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
Meet all the other requirements set forth in the instructions for the specific round they are being considered for.
Statistical Highlights for French-Language Proficiency Invitations
From July 7, 2023, to February 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted seven invitation rounds under the French-language proficiency category. During this period, a total of 15,700 candidates were extended an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. These invitations varied in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements, with the lowest recorded at 365 and the highest at 486.
On February 1, 2024, the round of invitations marked a significant threshold—candidates with a minimum CRS score of 365 were invited, which was the lowest score required within the reported timeframe. Moreover, this round also had the largest number of invitations issued at one time, with 7,000 candidates receiving an ITA. This data underscores the Canadian government's commitment to supporting French-language proficiency among immigrants and reflects the growing importance of bilingualism in Canada's labor market.
These statistics not only highlight the value of French language skills in Canada's immigration system but also indicate a promising trend for prospective immigrants proficient in French. As Canada continues to encourage the development of its Francophone communities outside of Quebec, proficiency in French remains a significant asset for candidates within the Express Entry pool.
2. Healthcare Occupations
To be considered eligible for the healthcare occupations category within the Express Entry system, candidates are required to:
Have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience, or the equivalent amount in part-time work, within the last three years. This work experience must be:
In a single healthcare occupation listed in the designated table of healthcare professions.
Obtained within Canada or internationally.
Fulfill all other criteria as outlined in the instructions for the relevant round of invitations.
Here are the listed healthcare occupations, along with their respective 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories:
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists - NOC 31112 - TEER 1
Chiropractors - NOC 31201 - TEER 1
Dentists - NOC 31110 - TEER 1
Dieticians and nutritionists - NOC 31121 - TEER 1
Educational counsellors - NOC 41320 - TEER 1
General practitioners and family physicians - NOC 31102 - TEER 1
Instructors of persons with disabilities - NOC 42203 - TEER 2
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment - NOC 31204 - TEER 1
Licensed practical nurses - NOC 32101 - TEER 2
Massage therapists - NOC 32201 - TEER 2
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations - NOC 33101 - TEER 3
Medical laboratory technologists - NOC 32120 - TEER 2
Medical radiation technologists - NOC 32121 - TEER 2
Medical sonographers - NOC 32122 - TEER 2
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates - NOC 33102 - TEER 3
Nurse practitioners - NOC 31302 - TEER 1
Nursing coordinators and supervisors - NOC 31300 - TEER 1
Occupational therapists - NOC 31203 - TEER 1
Optometrists - NOC 31111 - TEER 1
Other assisting occupations in support of health services - NOC 33109 - TEER 3
Other practitioners of natural healing - NOC 32209 - TEER 2
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating - NOC 31209 - TEER 1
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment - NOC 32109 - TEER 2
Paramedical occupations - NOC 32102 - TEER 2
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants - NOC 33103 - TEER 3
Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals - NOC 31303 - TEER 1
Physiotherapists - NOC 31202 - TEER 1
Psychologists - NOC 31200 - TEER 1
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses - NOC 31301 - TEER 1
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists - NOC 32103 - TEER 2
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine - NOC 31100 - TEER 1
Specialists in surgery - NOC 31101 - TEER 1
Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies - NOC 41301 - TEER 1
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists - NOC 32200 - TEER 2
Veterinarians - NOC 31103 - TEER 1
Statistical Highlights for Healthcare Occupations Invitations
There have been a total of four invitation rounds under the Healthcare Occupations category between June 28, 2023, and February 14, 2024. During these rounds, 9,100 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of the lowest-ranked candidates invited in these rounds ranged from 422 to 476.
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
For the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations category, the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry category-based rounds of invitations are as follows:
Work Experience:Â You must have accumulated at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years. This can also be an equivalent amount of part-time work experience.
Occupation Requirement:Â The work experience must be in a single occupation that is listed under the STEM category. This experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
Compliance with Round Instructions:Â You must meet all the requirements specified in the instructions for the particular round of invitations.
Here's a list of occupations within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) category for Express Entry, along with their respective 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories:
Architects - NOC 21200 - TEER 1
Architecture and Science Managers - NOC 20011 - TEER 0
Business Systems Specialists - NOC 21221 - TEER 1
Civil Engineers - NOC 21300 - TEER 1
Computer and Information Systems Managers - NOC 20012 - TEER 0
Computer Engineers (except software engineers and designers) - NOC 21311 - TEER 1
Computer Systems Developers and Programmers - NOC 21230 - TEER 1
Cybersecurity Specialists - NOC 21220 - TEER 1
Data Scientists - NOC 21211 - TEER 1
Database Analysts and Data Administrators - NOC 21223 - TEER 1
Electrical and Electronics Engineers - NOC 21310 - TEER 1
Engineering Managers - NOC 20010 - TEER 0
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers - NOC 21321 - TEER 1
Information Systems Specialists - NOC 21222 - TEER 1
Land Surveyors - NOC 21203 - TEER 1
Landscape Architects - NOC 21201 - TEER 1
Mathematicians, Statisticians, and Actuaries - NOC 21210 - TEER 1
Metallurgical and Materials Engineers - NOC 21322 - TEER 1
Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers - NOC 41400 - TEER 1
Software Developers and Programmers - NOC 21232 - TEER 1
Software Engineers and Designers - NOC 21231 - TEER 1
Urban and Land Use Planners - NOC 21202 - TEER 1
Web Designers - NOC 21233 - TEER 1
Web Developers and Programmers - NOC 21234 - TEER 1
Statistical Highlights for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations Invitations
There have been two invitation rounds under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations category between July 5, 2023, and December 8, 2023. During these rounds, a total of 6,400 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of the lowest-ranked candidates invited in these rounds were 486 for the first round and 481 for the second round.
4. Trade Occupations
For candidates interested in the Trade Occupations category within Canada's Express Entry system, meeting specific eligibility criteria is crucial. To qualify for this category, candidates must:
Accumulate Work Experience:
Have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the last three years.
This can be equivalent to part-time work experience.
The experience must be in a single trade occupation listed in the designated table of trade occupations.
Location of Experience:
The work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad. This flexibility allows international tradespeople to apply based on their global work experience.
Adherence to Round Instructions:
Meet all the requirements set in the instructions for the specific round of invitations they are being considered for.
Here is the list of occupations for the Trade Occupations category in Express Entry, along with their respective 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories:
Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers - NOC 73200 - TEER 3
Elevator Constructors and Mechanics - NOC 72406 - TEER 2
Machine Fitters - NOC 72405 - TEER 2
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics - NOC 72402 - TEER 2
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics - NOC 72400 - TEER 2
Carpenters - NOC 72310 - TEER 2
Plumbers - NOC 72300 - TEER 2
Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System) - NOC 72200 - TEER 2
Welders and Related Machine Operators - NOC 72106 - TEER 2
Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers - NOC 72014 - TEER 2
Statistical Highlights for Trade Occupations Invitations
There have been two invitation rounds for the Trade Occupations category in Express Entry between August 3, 2023, and December 19, 2023. The first round on August 3, 2023, invited 1,500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388. The second round, on December 19, 2023, invited 1,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 425. In total, 2,500 candidates have been invited under this category by the time of this blog publication.
5. Transport Occupations
To be eligible for the Transport Occupations category under Express Entry, candidates must:
Have accumulated at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past 3 years. Part-time work experience is also acceptable, provided it is equivalent in hours to the full-time experience requirement.
The work experience must be in a single occupation that is listed in the specified table for the Transport Occupations category.
This work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
Candidates must meet all of the specific requirements outlined in the instructions for the particular invitation round they are applying for.
Here is the list of occupations for the Transport Occupations category in Express Entry, along with their respective 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories:
Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors - NOC 93200 - TEER 3
Transport Truck Drivers - NOC 73300 - TEER 3
Railway Traffic Controllers and Marine Traffic Regulators - NOC 72604 - TEER 2
Engineer Officers, Water Transport - NOC 72603 - TEER 2
Deck Officers, Water Transport - NOC 72602 - TEER 2
Air Traffic Controllers and Related Occupations - NOC 72601 - TEER 2
Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors - NOC 72600 - TEER 2
Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors - NOC 72404 - TEER 2
Railway Carmen/Women - NOC 72403 - TEER 2
Managers in Transportation - NOC 70020 - TEER 0
Statistical Highlights for Transport Occupations Invitations
There have been a total of two invitation rounds for the Transport Occupations category between September 20, 2023, and December 20, 2023. In these rounds, 1,670 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for candidates invited in both rounds was 435.
6. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
For the Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations category under the Express Entry program, candidates need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Work Experience:Â Candidates must have accumulated at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past 3 years. This experience can be in a single occupation listed for this category. Part-time work experience is acceptable as well, provided it is equivalent in hours to the full-time requirement.
Location of Experience:Â The work experience can be gained in Canada or abroad. This allows for a broader range of candidates who have relevant international experience in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
Compliance with Round Requirements:Â Candidates must meet all the specific requirements as set out in the instructions for the particular invitation round they are applying in. These instructions may include additional criteria such as language proficiency, education, and other factors.
Here is the list of occupations for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations category in Express Entry, along with their respective 2021 NOC codes and TEER categories:
Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture Services - NOC 82031 - TEER 2
Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors - NOC 82030 - TEER 2
Butchers - Retail and Wholesale - NOC 63201 - TEER 3
Statistical Highlights for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations Invitations
There have been a total of three invitation rounds under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations category, occurring on September 28, 2023, December 21, 2023, and February 16, 2024. Across these rounds, a total of 1,150 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of the lowest-ranked candidates invited in these rounds were 354, 386, and 437, respectively.
Broad Opportunities in Express Entry: General, No Program Specified, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Express Entry system isn't limited to specific occupational categories. It also includes broader categories like No Program Specified, General, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), catering to a wide range of candidates.
General and No Program Specified: Since June 2023, these categories have invited over 30,000 candidates, with CRS scores ranging from 486 to 561. These invitations cover candidates from a variety of programs, including the popular Canadian Experience Class. This demonstrates the system's inclusivity, offering chances to candidates with diverse skills and high scores.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): PNP focuses on individuals nominated by Canadian provinces, significantly boosting their prospects for permanent residency.
Conclusion
As we've explored in this blog, Canada's Express Entry program offers a diverse range of opportunities for skilled professionals in various sectors like STEM, Trades, Transport, and Agriculture and Agri-Food. Navigating the intricacies of immigration can be complex, but with the right guidance, your dream of living and working in Canada can become a reality.
That's where we, at Immigrative Visa Services Inc., step in. As a dedicated team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we specialize in providing personalized immigration solutions. Our extensive experience and detailed understanding of the Canadian immigration process make us your ideal partner in this journey.
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Embarking on the path to Canadian residency is a significant step, and it's vital to ensure that every aspect of your application is handled with expertise and care. Schedule an initial consultation with us at Immigrative Visa Services Inc. to review your profile and explore your eligibility under the various Express Entry categories. Together, we can unlock the door to your future in Canada.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice regarding your specific immigration situation, it is recommended to consult with an authorized immigration professional.
About the Author:
This blog post is authored by Hossein Alavi, RCIC, a seasoned Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and the founder and CEO of Immigrative Visa Services Inc. and EduPal Canada. With over ten years of experience in the education and immigration sectors, he is dedicated to assisting individuals and companies with their Canadian immigration needs. Contact Immigrative Visa Services Inc. today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward realizing your Canadian dream.