A new report from the Globe and Mail provides insights into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry category-based selection plans for 2023. Starting in late June, IRCC initiated category-based draws to target specific economic goals. There are six categories, with distinct emphasis for recruitment.
Based on data from IRCC, the Globe and Mail reveals that STEM professions will see significant emphasis. Approximately 28% to 31% of Express Entry invitations this year are projected to be offered to individuals with recent experience in STEM fields like software developers and data scientists.
Currently, there has been one round of STEM invitations, benefiting 500 applicants.
The focus on STEM roles is notably higher than other occupation categories. French proficiency candidates have a target range of 11% to 15%, specific healthcare occupations range from 9% to 12%, trades from 3% to 4%, and transportation and agriculture each aim for 1% to 2%.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is IRCC’s system for managing applications from skilled workers aspiring to be Canadian permanent residents. It encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Candidates create Express Entry profiles and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), evaluating factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. Highest-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Express Entry conducts three draw types:
- General invitations: Highest CRS scores invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Program-specific invitations: Eligible candidates for specific Express Entry programs invited.
- Category-based invitations: Highest CRS scores eligible for categories aligned with IRCC’s economic goals.
What is category-based Express Entry selection?
IRCC introduced category-based draws targeting Express Entry candidates with strong French language skills or experience in certain fields:
- Healthcare
- STEM professions
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
These categories were chosen after a consultation with stakeholders, labor market projections, IRCC partners, provinces, and territories.
Since the category-based draws’ launch, three French language proficiency draws invited 6,900 applicants, two healthcare occupations draws invited 2,000 applicants, and one trades occupation draw invited 1,500 applicants.
