IRCC Maintains Current Categories for Category-Based Express Entry Selections in 2024
In a recent update, the Canadian immigration department has announced its commitment to retaining the six existing categories for category-based selection in Express Entry draws throughout 2024. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have affirmed their intention to persist in selecting candidates possessing category-specific work experience or a strong proficiency in French for permanent residence applications.
Categories for 2024 Category-Based EE Draws:
Building on the strategy employed last year, IRCC will maintain focus on the same six key categories for category-based Express Entry draws in 2024. These categories are:
- A strong French language proficiency or
- Work experience in one of the below fields:
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- transport
- agriculture and Agri-food
Category-Based Draws Unveiled in 2024
The IRCC has already initiated Express Entry draws for two of the six eligible categories for category-based selections this year. On February 1st, 2024, an Express Entry draw was conducted targeting candidates with French Language Proficiency and Healthcare Occupations, where the CRS score requirement plummeted to as low as 365 points.
Benefits of Category-Based Selections for Canada PR Applicants
In category-based Express Entry draws, the IRCC extends Canada PR invitations to candidates with lower CRS scores, provided they demonstrate proficiency in French or possess experience in one of the aforementioned occupation categories eligible for category-based selections.
Furthermore, the IRCC has affirmed on its official website that the categories for 2023 were established based on projections of labour market shortages spanning from 2022 to 2031, which remain relevant. These projections were informed by public consultations conducted in winter 2022 and summer 2023.
Considering these factors, alongside Canada's ambitious immigration targets, the year 2024 presents an optimal opportunity to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa. For aspiring Canada PR applicants, now is the opportune moment to prepare your application.
