In An Express Entry System Category-based draws may seem like a game of chance, but there are strategic ways to increase your chances of coming out on top. By analyzing past winners and understanding the selection criteria, you can gain valuable insights into how to position yourself for success.

Play to Your Strengths

One effective strategy is to focus on entering categories where you have a competitive advantage. By showcasing your expertise and experience in a specific field, you can set yourself apart from other participants and increase your chances of being selected.

Diversify Your Entries

While it’s important to play to your strengths, it’s also beneficial to diversify your entries across multiple categories. This not only increases your overall odds of winning but also allows you to explore new opportunities and expand your skill set.

Stay Up to Date

To maximise your chances in category-based draws, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your chosen categories. By staying ahead of the curve, you can tailor your entries to align with current industry standards and preferences.

Network and Collaborate

Building connections within the community of participants can also work in your favor. By networking with other entrants and potential collaborators, you can gain valuable insights and support that may improve your chances of success.

In recent weeks, several outlets have indicated that many immigration candidates are expressing concern over high CRS cut-off scores. Thus far in 2024, there has not been a general Express Entry draw with a minimum/cut-off CRS score below 524.

CRS scores for category-based selection draws in 2024

IRCC has conducted eight category-based Express Entry draws to date this year.

Compared to IRCC’s nine general and program-specific draws this year, the department’s CRS cut-off for category-based draws has been at least 33 points lower in every 2024 draw.

Specifically, IRCC’s eight category-based draws so far this year breakdown as follows:

Date	Month	Categories	CRS Score
1	February	French language proficiency draw	365
14	February	Healthcare draw	422
16	February	Agriculture and Agri-Food draw	437
29	February	French language proficiency draw	336
13	March	Transport draw	430
26	March	French language proficiency draw	338
11	April	Transport draw	491
24	April	French language proficiency draw	410

CRS Category-based selection draws in 2024

Accordingly, Express Entry candidates who are concerned about obtaining a CRS score that is high enough for IRCC’s general draws may find value in pursuing an ITA through IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draws, as this allows eligible candidates to benefit from a generally lower CRS cut-off requirement.

Am I eligible for category-based selection?

To be eligible for an ITA through a category-based Express Entry draw, candidates must meet a unique set of criteria depending on the category they fall under.

More: Visit this dedicated webpage for more details on all six categories, and to see if you may be eligible for IRCC’s category-based draws, depending on your NOC code and other criteria.

Specifically, in addition to meeting all the requirements included in the instructions for a specific round of invitations, applicants must meet additional criteria depending on the applicable category.

French language proficiency category

Have a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

More: In April, IRCC announced that French language proficiency will account for the majority (30%) of ITAs issued through category-based draws this year.

Occupational categories

In 2024, IRCC has chosen to focus on immigration candidates with eligible work experience in the following five industries:

Healthcare
STEM
Trades
Transport
Agriculture and Agri-Food

All occupational categories eligible for category-based selection require candidates to have at least six months of eligible full-time, continuous (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last three years. This work experience may have been obtained in Canada or abroad.

Note: Although the list of eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes varies based on the occupational category, qualifying work experience must have been obtained in a single occupation under one of the qualifying NOCs in a given category.

The Express Entry system stands as the principal route for skilled immigrants seeking to enter Canada, with plans to admit 110,770 individuals this year.

👉 Projected increases indicate that the number of immigrants welcomed will rise to 117,500 annually in both 2025 and 2026. Given these figures, it’s crucial for potential immigrants and recent arrivals to examine the Express Entry system’s eligibility criteria. This is not only to assess their immediate qualifications but also to strategize for enhancing their eligibility in the future.

What is Express Entry for Canada?

Express Entry is a system used by Canada to manage applications for three of its federal economic immigration programs:

👉The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skills Trades Program (FSTP), each with its own set of eligibility requirements.

Eligible candidate for these programs are enter into the Express Entry pool, where they are score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like work experience, language proficiency, education, and marital status.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting those who meet or exceed a certain CRS score to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Additionally, IRCC has introduced category-specific draws targeting individuals with in-demand professional skills or language abilities.

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and successfully submitting their application, candidates must clear all necessary checks and fulfil the criteria outlined in their application.

Once approval, that will grants to PR status, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely.

What are eligibility requirements for the FSWP Programme?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) serves as a key conduit for skilled workers aiming to immigrate to Canada for economic purposes.

Applicants must satisfy the foundational criteria of the FSWP and achieve a minimum of 67 points on a dedicated human capital factors grid, distinct from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score used for all Express Entry programs.

For a detailed breakdown of the selection factors and the corresponding points, one can refer to the official guidelines.

Beyond the 67-point threshold on the FSWP grid, aspirants are require to:

✅ Possess a minimum of one year’s full-time or equivalent work experience within the past decade in a skilled role, as per the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.

✅ Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or equivalent, achieving this level across all four language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
✅ Fulfil financial requirements based on the number of immediate family members, regardless of whether they are Canadian permanent residents or will accompany the applicant to Canada. This criterion may be exempted if the applicant is already authorise to work in Canada and has secured employment.

This criterion is an exempt if the applicant is already authorize to work in Canada and has secured employment.

The NOC system categorizes jobs in Canada, while the TEER system, used in conjunction, grades jobs based on the necessary training, experience, education, and job responsibilities for eligibility.

FAQ’s

Q1 Who is eligible for Canada Express Entry?

Eligibility for Canada’s Express Entry includes skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy and covers three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Q2 How much money is required for Express Entry Canada?

The funds required for Express Entry depend on family size, starting at $13,757 CAD for a single person as of April 25, 2023 Fees include processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee, totaling approximately $1,040 CAD per adult.

Q3 How do I get PR Express Entry?

To get PR through Express Entry, you must receive an invitation to apply, fill out the online form, upload necessary documents, pay fees, and submit your application. Most complete applications are processed within six months.

Q4 What is the IELTS score for Express Entry?

The IELTS score for Express Entry varies by program, but a minimum score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 is typically required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Higher scores may yield more points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.

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Top Strategies for Maximizing Your Chances in Category-Based Draws in Express Entry System