Canada’s Express Entry system is a dynamic immigration pathway designed to attract skilled immigrants from around the world. One of the newer and more innovative approaches within the Express Entry system is category-based draws, which play a crucial role in selecting candidates for permanent residency in Canada.

What are Category-Based Draws?

Category-based draws are a targeted selection process within the Express Entry system. Unlike general draws that select candidates based solely on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, category-based draws focus on specific skills, occupations, or attributes that align with Canada’s economic needs. This approach helps the country address labor shortages and attract immigrants who can contribute to key industries.

Key Categories in Category-Based Draws

Category-based draws focus on specific sectors where there is a high demand for skilled workers. Here are the key categories, along with their eligibility requirements and the complete list of eligible NOC codes:

French-Language Proficiency:

• • Eligibility Requirements:
    • • Candidates must have a minimum language proficiency level of NCLC 7 in all four French language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
    • • Accepted French language tests are:
        • • TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
        • • TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

    • • Candidates must meet the general eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades.

• • Purpose: This category supports Canada’s goal to boost bilingualism and meet the needs of Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Healthcare Occupations:

• Eligibility Requirements:

  • Candidates must have accumulated at least 6 months of continuous work experience within the last 3 years in one of the eligible healthcare occupations, either in Canada or abroad.
  • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs.

• Eligible NOCs:
  • Audiologists and speech language pathologists (NOC 31112)
  • Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
  • Dentists (NOC 31110)
  • Dieticians and nutritionists (NOC 31121)
  • Educational counsellors (NOC 41320)
  • General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
  • Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
  • Kinesiologists and other professional occupation in therapy and assessment (NOC 31204)
  • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101)
  • Massage therapists (NOC 32201)
  • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (NOC 33101)
  • Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
  • Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
  • Medical sonographers (NOC 32122)
  • Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
  • Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302)
  • Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300)
  • Occupational therapists (NOC 31203)
  • Optometrists (NOC 31111)
  • Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109)
  • Other practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209)
  • Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (NOC 31209)
  • Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (NOC 32109)
  • Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
  • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103)
  • Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (NOC 31303)
  • Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
  • Psychologists (NOC 31200)
  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
  • Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (NOC 32103)
  • Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
  • Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
  • Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301)
  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200)
  • Veterinarians (NOC 31103)

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations:

• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the eligible STEM occupations within the last 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.

  • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs.

• Eligible NOCs:

• Architects (NOC 21200)
• Architecture and science managers (NOC 20011)
• Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)
• Civil engineers (NOC 21300)
• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
• Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311)
• Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
• Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220)
• Data scientists (NOC 21211)
• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
• Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310)
• Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
• Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321)
• Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)
• Land surveyors (NOC 21203)
• Landscape Architects (NOC 21201)
• Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 21210)
• Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322)
• Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 41400)
• Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
• Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
• Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202)
• Web designers (NOC 21233)
• Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)

Trade Occupations:

• • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the eligible trade occupations within the last 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.
    • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs.

• • Eligible NOCs:
    • Residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200)
    • Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406)
    • Machine fitters (NOC 72405)
    • Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402)
    • Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400)
    • Carpenters (NOC 72310)
    • Plumbers (NOC 72300)
    • Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200)
    • Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72307)
    • Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (NOC 72014)

• • Comparison: Category-Based Trade Occupation Draws vs. Federal Skilled Trades Program – Note that the NOCs may differ between the two.
    • Category-Based Trade Occupation Draws: These draws specifically target skilled trade occupations as part of a broader strategy to fill labor gaps across Canada. These draws may prioritize candidates with specific skills or experience based on labor market needs.
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program: This program focuses solely on trades and requires meeting specific criteria related to trade certifications and work experience.

Transport Occupations:

• • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Candidates must have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the eligible transport occupations within the last 3 years, either in Canada or abroad.
    • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs.

• • Eligible NOCs:
    • Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (NOC 93200)
    • Transport truck drivers (NOC 75100)
    • Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (NOC 72604)
    • Engineer officers, water transport (NOC 72603)
    • Deck officers, water transport (NOC 72601)
    • Air traffic controllers and related occupations (NOC 72601)
    • Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors (NOC 72600)
    • Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404)
    • Railway carmen/women (NOC 72403)
    • Managers in transportation (NOC 70020)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations:

• • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Candidates should have at least 6 months of continuous work experience within the last 3 years in one of the eligible agriculture and agri-food occupations, either in Canada or abroad.
    • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs.

• • Eligible NOCs:
    • Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services (NOC 82031)Agricultural service contractors and farm supe
    • Butchers- retail and wholesale (NOC 63201)

Understanding the NOC System

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s system for classifying jobs based on duties and responsibilities. It helps determine whether a job or work experience qualifies under Express Entry. Each category in the category-based draws is linked to specific NOCs, ensuring that only candidates with relevant skills and experience are selected.

It’s important to note that the NOC codes used in category-based draws are subject to change. The selection of eligible occupations can vary annually based on Canada’s labor market needs and economic priorities. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly reviews and updates these categories to align with the country’s economic goals.

How to Maximize Your Chances For potential immigrants and those advising them, understanding how to navigate the Express Entry system is essential. Here are some tips:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest announcements regarding category-based draws and which occupations are being targeted. This information can guide your application strategy.
• Enhance Your CRS Score: While category-based draws focus on specific criteria, having a competitive CRS score is still important. Improve your language skills, gain additional work experience, or pursue further education to boost your score.
• Consult with Experts: Working with a Canadian Immigration Lawyer or Consultant can provide valuable insights and assistance. These professionals are equipped to handle complex cases, ensuring a smooth application process.

Conclusion

Category-based draws in Canada’s Express Entry system represent a strategic approach to immigration, aligning the country’s economic needs with the skills and attributes of prospective immigrants. For those seeking to immigrate to Canada, understanding this process and seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference in achieving their dreams of becoming Canadian citizens.

If you’re interested in learning more about category-based draws or need assistance with your immigration process, contact us today. Our experienced team of immigration professionals is here to help you every step of the way.