LVS Facility Management
Category-Based Selection
Category-based selection allows IRCC to invite Express Entry candidates based on specific economic priorities like French language proficiency or work experience in priority occupations.

Category-Based Express Entry – Targeted Occupation Immigration

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced Category-Based Selection under the Express Entry system. These new draws target candidates in specific occupations or categories, making it easier for workers in high-demand fields to qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. At Sober Immigration, we help skilled workers determine if they qualify for category-based draws, prepare strong Express Entry profiles, and maximize their chances of selection.

What is Category-Based Express Entry?

Normally, Express Entry invitations are based purely on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. However, under category-based draws, IRCC can invite candidates who meet specific labour market needs, even with lower CRS scores. This change allows Canada to attract skilled workers in priority occupations and address shortages in critical industries.

Current Categories for Express Entry

IRCC has announced six main categories for targeted draws:

1: Healthcare Occupations

Doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other medical professionals.

2: STEM Occupations

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math jobs, including software engineers, computer analysts, mathematicians, and researchers

3: Trades Occupations

Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, and other skilled trades

4: Transport Occupations

Truck drivers, bus drivers, aircraft assemblers, and related roles

5: Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

Farm supervisors, butchers, food processing workers, and agricultural specialists

6: French-Language Proficiency

Candidates with strong French skills, even outside Quebec

Benefits of Category-Based Draws

The category-based selection offers several advantages:

Targeted selection for in-demand occupations
Lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws
Better chances for workers in healthcare, trades, STEM, transport, and agriculture
Supports Canada's long term labour market and demographic needs
More opportunities for French-speaking applicants

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for category-based draws, you must:

Meet the general Express Entry eligibility (FSWP, CEC, or FSTP)
Have work experience in one of the targeted occupations
For French-language draws → prove proficiency through TEF or TCF test
Maintain a valid Express Entry profile and be in the pool when a draw is held

How Category-Based Draws Work

The process involves several key steps:

Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
Ensure your occupation falls under one of the six categories
Wait for IRCC to conduct a category-specific draw
If invited, submit your PR application within 60 days
Even with a lower CRS score, you may receive an ITA if your occupation is in high demand

Documents Required

A complete application typically includes:

Valid passport
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if studied outside Canada)
Work reference letters proving experience in a targeted occupation
Police clearance and medical exam
Proof of funds (unless already working in Canada)

Common Challenges

Applicants often face these challenges:

Candidates unsure whether their job duties match the correct NOC code
Incomplete or weak work reference letters
Misunderstanding CRS requirements (you still need to meet minimum CRS)
Confusion between general draws and category-based draws

How Sober Immigration Helps

At Sober Immigration, we provide comprehensive support:

Confirm your NOC code and occupation eligibility
Calculate your CRS score and assess category-based chances
Draft strong work reference letters that match NOC requirements
Submit a complete Express Entry profile and PR application
Advise on alternate pathways (PNPs, LMIA-based offers) if needed

Why Choose Sober Immigration?

Our expertise in category-based selection includes:

Licensed Canadian immigration consultants with up to date knowledge of new IRCC policies
Proven experience with Express Entry, PNPs, and worker pathways
Tailored CRS improvement and occupation-based strategies
Transparent and step-by-step guidance

Category-Based Selection Specialists

Our team includes bilingual consultants and sector-specific experts who understand Canada's evolving economic priorities and category-based selection criteria.

Immigration Lawyers

Expert legal guidance for complex cases

Visa Experts

Specialized knowledge in visa processes

Case Officers

Dedicated support for your application

Why Choose Sober Immigration?

Licensed Canadian immigration consultants with extensive Express Entry experience. Transparent, honest CRS evaluations before you apply. Proven success helping both Canadian residents and applicants abroad.

1

Category Selection Strategy Development

Strategic positioning for category-based Express Entry draws

2

Francophone Immigration Expertise

Specialized support for French-speaking candidates

3

Priority Sector Specialization

Deep knowledge of Canada's priority economic sectors

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about work permits and employment in Canada.

Still Have Questions?

Our immigration experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your work permit application.

Contact Us

Common Challenges Applicants Face

Misrepresenting French language abilities or submitting fraudulent test results

Examples include:

  • •Take genuine French language tests (TEF/TCF)
  • •Honestly represent actual French proficiency level
  • •Practice and improve before testing
  • •Use legitimate test preparation resources

Always provide truthful, verified information.

Want to move to Canada?

#canadaimmigration#canadavisa#expressentry

If you want to move to Canada, you are in the right place.

Yes, it is the right decision as Canada is safe and beautiful with a lot of job opportunities and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers.

Get started with Sober Immigration today.

Book Consultation