Introduction
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made headlines on June 28, 2023, by conducting its first-ever category-based draw. Announced in May of the previous year, this new draw type aims to address specific national labour gaps and demographic challenges by attracting skilled newcomers. By prioritising candidates with in-demand work experience and proficiencies, IRCC hopes to enhance the nation’s workforce in crucial sectors.
What are Category-Based Draws?
Category-based draws under the Express Entry system focus on candidates with particular attributes and work experiences. Despite this focus, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores remain a critical factor for these draws. Only candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a specific draw.
Prioritised Categories in 2024
In 2024, IRCC is prioritising candidates with work experience and language proficiencies in the following areas:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
- Trades occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations
- French-language proficiency
Draw Statistics and CRS Scores
Since the inception of category-based draws, IRCC has conducted 25 such draws. The CRS cut-off scores varied significantly across different categories:
| Date of Draw | Category | CRS Cut-Off Score | Number of ITAs Issued |
| June 28, 2023 | Healthcare | 476 | 500 |
| July 5, 2023 | STEM | 486 | 500 |
| July 6, 2023 | Healthcare | 463 | 1500 |
| July 7, 2023 | French | 439 | 2300 |
| July 12, 2023 | French | 375 | 3800 |
| August 2, 2023 | French | 435 | 800 |
| August 3, 2023 | Trades | 388 | 1500 |
| September 20, 2023 | Transport | 435 | 1000 |
| September 27, 2023 | French | 472 | 500 |
| September 28, 2023 | Agriculture and Agri-Food | 354 | 600 |
| October 25, 2023 | French | 486 | 300 |
| October 26, 2023 | Healthcare | 431 | 3600 |
| December 7, 2023 | French | 470 | 1000 |
| December 8, 2023 | STEM | 481 | 5900 |
| December 19, 2023 | Trades | 425 | 1000 |
| December 20, 2023 | Transport | 435 | 670 |
| December 21, 2023 | Agriculture and Agri-Food | 386 | 400 |
| February 1, 2024 | French | 365 | 7000 |
| February 14, 2024 | Healthcare | 422 | 3500 |
| February 16, 2024 | Agriculture and Agri-Food | 437 | 150 |
| February 29, 2024 | French | 338 | 2500 |
| March 13, 2024 | Transport | 430 | 975 |
| March 26, 2024 | French | 338 | 1500 |
| April 11, 2024 | Stem | 491 | 4500 |
| April 24, 2024 | French | 410 | 1400 |
Total ITAs Issued in the Past Year
The number of ITAs issued varied greatly across categories in the past year:
- 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
What to Expect in the Rest of 2024?
IRCC has outlined its plan for ITA distribution among these categories for the remainder of 2024. Here’s the expected percentage distribution:
- Healthcare: 15%
- STEM: 25%
- Trades: 5%
- Transport: 3%
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: 0.5%
- French-language proficiency: 30%
In summary, category-based draws under the Express Entry system reflect Canada’s strategic approach to addressing labour market needs and demographic challenges. By prioritising specific skill sets and language proficiencies, IRCC aims to build a robust and diverse workforce that will drive the country’s economic growth and development.
FAQs
1. What are category-based draws?
Category-based draws are a type of Express Entry draw where IRCC prioritises candidates based on specific work experience and language proficiencies.
2. Why did IRCC introduce category-based draws?
The purpose is to attract skilled newcomers who can address specific national labour gaps and demographic challenges in Canada.
3. What factors determine eligibility in category-based draws?
Candidates are evaluated based on their work experience in prioritised occupations and language proficiencies, along with their CRS scores.
4. How often are category-based draws conducted?
Since their introduction, IRCC has conducted 25 category-based draws over nearly a year.
5. What is the significance of CRS scores in category-based draws?
CRS scores determine the eligibility of candidates. Only those with scores above the cut-off will receive an ITA.
Conclusion
IRCC’s category-based draws represent a strategic shift in Canada’s immigration policy, aiming to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to the country’s economic and demographic needs. By focusing on specific in-demand occupations and language proficiencies, Canada ensures that its immigration system aligns with the labour market’s evolving demands. As this new approach unfolds, it offers exciting opportunities for skilled foreign nationals to make Canada their home
Get a Free Express Entry Assessment today to see if you qualify under one of these priority categories and take the first step towards a new life in Canada. To get personal guidance about express entry, You can always contact us.
