How Category-Based Selection Draws Are Helping Candidates with Lower CRS Scores in Express Entry

For Express Entry candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score below 500, Canada’s category-based selection draws may offer a crucial opportunity. Unlike general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, where the CRS cut-off has remained at or above 500 in 2024, category-based draws often have lower cut-off scores, opening doors for more candidates to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

What Are Category-Based Selection Draws?

Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2023, category-based selection draws focus on specific skills and professions that match Canada’s labor market needs. Current categories include:

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

To qualify for these draws, candidates need at least six months of continuous full-time experience (or an equivalent part-time experience) in a relevant occupation within the last three years. For French proficiency-based draws, candidates must demonstrate a minimum score of seven across all four language abilities in the (NCLC).

Examples of How Category-Based Draws Make a Difference

Here are some fictional profiles illustrating how category-based selection draws benefit candidates with CRS scores below 500:

1. Transport Occupations – Ahmad’s Profile

Ahmad, 32, is an aircraft assembly inspector from the UAE with a master’s degree in aviation technology and a high level of English proficiency (CLB 9). His total CRS score is 453, which wouldn’t typically qualify in a general draw. However, with the Transport category draw's cut-off score at 430 in March 2024, Ahmad would have likely received an ITA had he applied.

2. Agriculture Occupations – Alvin’s Profile

Alvin, 34, studied landscape design and horticulture in Canada and works as a landscape supervisor. With intermediate English skills (CLB 8) and three years of Canadian work experience, he scores 447 points. Thanks to a lower cut-off score of 437 in the Agriculture category draw in February 2024, Alvin would have been eligible for an ITA.

3. French Proficiency – Sara’s Profile

Sara, a 27-year-old accountant from Morocco, has a strong French proficiency (CLB 9) and intermediate English skills. Her score is 483, which surpasses the October 2024 French-language proficiency draw cut-off of 444, giving her a strong chance for an ITA based on her language skills.

Growing Importance of Category-Based Selection

Since the introduction of category-based draws, Canada has increased their frequency while general draws have decreased, with the last general draw occurring in April 2024. This shift addresses Canada’s demand for specific skills, like STEM and French proficiency. In 2024, IRCC has prioritized French-speaking candidates to align with goals of welcoming more Francophone immigrants outside Quebec. Over 30% of ITAs are expected to be issued to French-speaking applicants in 2024.

The IRCC may also introduce new categories based on feedback from provincial leaders, employers, and worker advocacy groups. This approach helps Canada adapt to changing economic and demographic needs, ensuring immigration policies meet demand in various sectors.

Impact on CRS Cut-Off Scores

Category-based selection draws have effectively reduced the CRS cut-off for certain skilled candidates. For example, the French language proficiency draw in February 2024 reached a minimum CRS score of 336, offering opportunities to more candidates. General draw cut-offs, on the other hand, have increased—from an average of 489 in early 2023 to 536 in the first half of 2024.

For Express Entry candidates, category-based draws present a vital pathway to permanent residence, especially for those who might not meet the high CRS cut-off of general draws. Keeping your profile updated and exploring these options could open up more chances to be selected based on your skills and experience.