On June 28, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced its first-ever category-based draw under the Express Entry system, marking a significant shift in Canada’s immigration strategy. Announced in May 2023, this new draw format was designed to address labor shortages and demographic challenges by focusing on candidates with specific in-demand skills and expertise.
This targeted approach aims to attract professionals from key sectors that are essential to Canada’s economic growth. Despite the focus on particular attributes, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score remains a crucial factor in the selection process for these draws.
In 2024, IRCC prioritized applicants with experience in the following sectors and language proficiencies:
- Healthcare
- Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- French-language proficiency
Draw Frequency and CRS Scores
Since the introduction of the category-based draws, IRCC has conducted 25 draws over the past year. The CRS cut-off scores have varied significantly across different categories, reflecting the competitive nature of the selection process. Notably, the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in each draw and the CRS scores required differed based on category and demand.
ITAs Issued by Category
- Healthcare: 9,100 ITAs
- STEM: 10,900 ITAs
- Trades: 2,500 ITAs
- Transport: 2,645 ITAs
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: 1,150 ITAs
- French-language proficiency: 21,100 ITAs
Looking Ahead: What to Expect for the Rest of 2024
As of April 2024, IRCC has laid out its plans for the distribution of ITAs across these categories. The expected allocation of ITAs by category is as follows:
- Healthcare: 15%
- STEM: 25%
- Trades: 5%
- Transport: 3%
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: 0.5%
- French-language proficiency: 30%
A total of 78.5% of all Express Entry ITAs will be issued to candidates in these category-based draws, while the remaining 21.5% will be reserved for general draws throughout the year.
Canada’s immigration strategy is evolving rapidly to ensure the country attracts the right talent to meet its labor needs, and the introduction of category-based draws is a key part of that effort.