In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
IRCC confirms that the first category-based invitations to apply are expected to be sent this summer (i.e. summer of 2023).
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced on May 31, 2023, the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry. This means that the new ‘Category-based selection’ will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability.
This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have the following attributes:
- a strong French language proficiency or
- work experience in the following fields:
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- transport
- agriculture and agri-food
Category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labour market needs, addressing the current labour shortages. These priorities maintain the focus on bringing in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and contribute to Canada’s future.
Category-based rounds add to general and program-specific rounds by inviting top-ranking candidates who can help meet specific economic goals.
To know more, please stay tuned in.