This article was updated more than 6 months ago. Some information may be outdated.
Canada will be maintaining the same Express Entry categories this year.
According to an email alert from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada will continue to invite Express Entry candidates through the following six categories:
- French
- Healthcare
- STEM
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
IRCC determines Express Entry categories based on Canada’s economic needs. They are chosen in consultation with stakeholders such as provincial and territorial governments.
Category-based draws are held alongside general draws, and program-specific draws such as those that target only Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
IRCC will be continuing with the same Express Entry categories for 2024 #cndimm #PR #EE pic.twitter.com/Lef4YcuAjS
— Tamara Mosher-Kuczer (@TTRRMK) February 12, 2024
Each year, IRCC must report to Canadian Parliament on the categories chosen for the previous year, why and how they were chosen, instructions to establish a category, and the number of invitations issued for each.
This year is going to set the stage for future category-based draws. Canada only introduced category-based selection in the second half of 2023. We have yet to see what a full year’s cycle looks like, and how and when the government will change Express Entry categories to reflect the new labour market reality.
Advertisement
Category-based draws in 2023
In 2023, there were 17 category-based draws:
- French category – 6 draws
- Healthcare category – 3 draws
- STEM category – 2 draws
- Trades category – 2 draws
- Transport category – 2 draws
- Agriculture and agri-food category – 2 draws
None of the Express Entry draws in January were category-based draws, but on February 1, Canada held its first French draw of the year.
How category-based selection changed Express Entry
Since June 28, 2023 when the first Healthcare draw kicked off a new era of Express Entry, we have observed a change in the frequency of draws.
At one time, it was common to expect a draw every two weeks on a Wednesday. This pattern fluctuated and varied, especially during the pandemic. However, the two-week cadence has not been consistent since category-based selection began. The unpredictability of new Express Entry draws makes it even more difficult to forecast when the next draw will take place.
We will soon learn how category-based selection has changed Canadian immigration as more government data comes available. Since it takes about six months for an Express Entry application to be processed, those who applied via the first category-based draw may only start to get permanent residency in January or February of 2024.
How Canada chooses Express Entry categories
Category-based Express Entry draws are established by the immigration minister to meet an economic goal for Canada. IRCC can create categories based on criteria such as:
- ability to communicate in an official language
- work experience in a specified occupation
- education
The specific categories are based on two key factors:
- labour market information and projections
- input from provinces, territories and other stakeholders
How to become eligible for category-based selection?
Firstly, you must be eligible for an Express Entry-managed program like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Once you are in the pool, you have to meet the minimum criteria to be eligible for the category, and be invited in a category-based Express Entry draw.
To get the latest update on category-based selection and learn the new Express Entry categories for 2024, create a free Moving2Canada account and sign up for our newsletter!
If you’re interested in moving to Canada but not sure which program you may be eligible for, check your eligibility for more than 20 Canadian immigration programs by taking Moving2Canada’s free Canada Immigration Quiz.
![Smiling young woman dancing at the office](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Smiling-young-woman-dancing-at-the-office_social-1024x538.jpg)
Wait! Let us help you.
About the author
![Shelby Thevenot](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Shelby-Square.webp)
Shelby Thevenot
Posted on February 13, 2024
Rate article
![1 Star 1 Star](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-postratings/images/stars_crystal/rating_on.gif)
![2 Stars 2 Stars](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-postratings/images/stars_crystal/rating_on.gif)
![3 Stars 3 Stars](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-postratings/images/stars_crystal/rating_on.gif)
![4 Stars 4 Stars](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-postratings/images/stars_crystal/rating_on.gif)
![5 Stars 5 Stars](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-postratings/images/stars_crystal/rating_on.gif)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Related articles
![Write A Strong Statement of Purpose For Your Study Permit Application](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/iStock-1447567373-1.jpg)
Write A Strong Statement of Purpose For Your Study Permit Application
Read more
![What Happened In Canada’s PNPs in August 2024?](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/iStock-1992193017-1-1024x529.jpg)
What Happened In Canada’s PNPs in August 2024?
Read more
![Home Sweet Home: Data Shows Newcomer Home Ownership Is On The Rise In Canada](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Montreal-Homes-in-Canada.jpg)
Home Sweet Home: Data Shows Newcomer Home Ownership Is On The Rise In Canada
Read more
![With the RNIP Closed, What Options Do Would-Be Applicants Have Now?](https://moving2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/iStock-2162336053-1024x683.jpg)
With the RNIP Closed, What Options Do Would-Be Applicants Have Now?
Read more
-
Canada Abroad
Canada Abroad is a transparent Canadian immigration consultancy with advice you can trust. Led by Deanne Acres-Lans (RCIC #508363), the team delivers professional, regulated, and efficient service.
-
Doherty Fultz Immigration
Led by Anthony Doherty (RCIC #510956) and Cassandra Fultz (#514356), the Doherty Fultz team uses their 40+ years of experience to empower you towards settling in Canada.
-
Perez McKenzie Immigration
Led by Jenny Perez (RCIC #423103), Perez McKenzie Immigration is a Canadian immigration consultancy based in British Columbia, with offices in Vancouver and Whistler.
Get your immigration questions answered by an expert
-
Find the best immigration program for you
Take our free immigration quiz and we'll tell you the best immigration programs for you!
-
Get matched to job opportunities
Get matched to job opportunities from Canadian employers who are seeking to hire people with your skills.
-
Access our immigration roadmaps
Our immigration roadmaps will teach you the basics of Express Entry, study permits, and more! Take control of your own immigration process.