Canada Express Entry: New category-based selection announced, work experience to get priority

Canada has announced its plans to introduce category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. The draws will prioritize candidates with strong French language proficiency or work experience in key sectors.

Category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labour market needs, while building on the high human capital approach that has been a hallmark of Canada’s successful economic immigration system.

This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have

• a strong French language proficiency or
• work experience in the following fields:
• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• transport
• agriculture and agri-food

The implementation of the new categories is anticipated to commence later this summer.

Why the new categories were introduced?

Canada's new categories aim to address labour shortages and promote French language prominence in minority communities outside Quebec. Immigration is seen as vital for filling vacant positions and supporting economic growth by attracting skilled workers and professionals.

Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, “Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages.”

“These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities. Put simply, Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social or economic needs.”

Category-based draws were expected to begin this year following changes made in June 2022 to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

How were the categories chosen?

The categories were chosen following legislative requirements that the Minister participate in public consultation with provinces and territories, members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners, IRCC release said

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.