Express Entry: Category-Based Selection

（Newest Express Entry: Category-Based Selection）

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Express Entry system on January 1, 2015, which included Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).

On May 31, 2023, the IRCC launched the Express Entry Category-Based Selection, updating the system to invite candidates based on their occupational categories with lower scores compared to the general Express Entry (EE) pool. The first draw under this new category-based selection system took place on June 28, 2023. This category-based selection focuses on the following types of candidates:

  • French-language proficiency
  • Healthcare occupations
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
  • Trade occupations
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Applicants meeting the criteria for any of these categories can enter the Express Entry candidate pool. Within this pool, candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria, and IRCC will issue Invitations to Apply (ITA) to those who meet or exceed the minimum CRS score. Receiving an ITA allows candidates to apply for Permanent Residence Visa. The current Comprehensive Ranking System, updated since June 6, 2017, includes additional points for having Canadian siblings, French language proficiency, LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) points, and Canadian higher education points.

Application Process：

Applicants who meet the requirements for any category can create a profile and enter the candidate pool, awaiting draws. The IRCC evaluates candidates in the pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, provincial nomination letter, and LMIA approvals. Those who meet the draw score requirements have up to 60 days to upload and submit supporting documents upon receiving an ITA.

Requirements by Category：

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW):

  • A minimum of 1 year of continuous full-time work experience in the last ten years (NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  • Language proficiency at CLB7 level or above
  • CRS score of 67 points (assessing language, age, education, work experience, LMIA, and adaptability).

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

  • A cumulative 1 year of full-time work experience (or equal part-time amount) in the last three years (NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  • CLB 7 language proficiency for NOC 0, 1, and CLB 5 for NOC 2, 3.
  • Accumulated Canadian work experience while holding legal temporary resident status and authorization to work in Canada.

Federal Skilled Trades (FST):

  • 2 years of full-time (or equal part-time amount) relevant skilled trade work experience in the last five years (Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93; Minor Group 6320, 62200).
  • CLB 5 in listening and speaking, CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Additional Points:

Starting June 6, 2017, Express Entry introduced additional points for French language proficiency and having Canadian siblings as follows:

  • Additional points for French Language: 15 points if candidates achieve NCLC 7 (equivalent to CLB 7) in all four language abilities and have a CLB 4 or higher in English. 30 points if candidates achieve NCLC 7 in all four language abilities and have a CLB 5 or higher in English.
  • Sibling Points: 15 points for candidates (or their accompanying partner) with direct siblings aged 18 or older who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens in Canada.