Category-Based Express Entry Draws: A Year in Review

Introduction

In June 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) started category-based Express Entry draws. These draws aim to fill specific job shortages in Canada by targeting skilled workers with needed experience and language skills.

Purpose

These draws focus on candidates with in-demand skills while still considering Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for eligibility.

Priority Categories in 2024

In 2024, IRCC is prioritizing candidates with experience or skills in:

• Healthcare
• Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• French-language proficiency
  
  

Draws and CRS Scores

Since the first draw, IRCC has held 25 category-based draws with varying CRS cut-off scores. Some examples include:

• June 28, 2023 (Healthcare): CRS 476, 500 ITAs
• July 5, 2023 (STEM): CRS 486, 500 ITAs
• July 6, 2023 (Healthcare): CRS 463, 1,500 ITAs
• July 7, 2023 (French): CRS 439, 2,300 ITAs
  
  

Total ITAs Issued

Over the past year, ITAs were distributed as follows:

• 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
  
  

2024 Outlook

For 2024, ITAs will be distributed with:

• Healthcare: 15%
• STEM: 25%
• Trades: 5%
• Transport: 3%
• Agriculture and Agri-Food: 0.5%
• French-language proficiency: 30%

Overall, 78.5% of ITAs will be through category-based draws, with the rest through general draws.