Introduction

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have introduced a groundbreaking change to the Express Entry system—category-Based Draw. In a move to enhance flexibility and align with evolving immigration needs, this novel approach shifts the focus from a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to specific categories, allowing candidates to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on their expertise and contributions to the Canadian workforce.

The Evolution of Express Entry

The IRCC’s decision to implement category-based selection follows the empowerment of the Minister’s authority, which was revamped the previous year. This enhancement grants the IRCC the ability to selectively choose candidates from distinct categories within the Express Entry pool.

How Category-Based Draw Functions

The process involves the IRCC identifying and prioritizing particular candidate groups annually. This selection is informed by input from key partners and insights into job market trends. Unlike regular invitations, which can be based on ongoing selections or provincial/territorial nominations, category-based invitations are uniquely tailored. The criteria for receiving such an invitation are as follows:

1. Meeting all the specific requirements outlined for the chosen round of invitations.
2. Ranking among the top candidates within the selected category.

2023 Designated Categories

For the year 2023, IRCC has designated six categories under the category-oriented selection approach:

1. French-language proficiency
2. Healthcare occupations
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
4. Trade occupations
5. Transport occupations
6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Specific Requirements for Selected Categories

Healthcare occupations NOC codes

IRCC accepts work experience under the following NOC codes to qualify for healthcare occupations.

● Audiologists and speech-language pathologists, 31112

● Chiropractor, 31201

● Dentists, 31110

● Dieticians and nutritionists, 31121

● Education counselors, 41320

● General Practitioners and Family Physicians, 31102

● Instructors of persons with disabilities, 42203

● Kinesiologists and other professional occupation in therapy and assessment, 31204

● Licensed practical nurses, 32101

● Massage therapists, 32201

● Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations, 33101

● Medical laboratory technologists, 32120

● Medical radiation technologists, 32121

● Medical Sonographers, 32122

● Nurse aides,patient service associates, and orderlies, 33102

● Nurse practitioners, 31302

● Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors, 31300

● Occupational therapists, 31203

● Optometrists, 31111

● Other assisting occupations in support of health services, 33109

● Other practitioners of natural healing, 32209

● Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating, 31209

● Paramedical occupations, 32102

● Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants, 33103

● Physician assistants, allied health professionals and midwive, 31303

● Physiotherapists, 31202

● Other technical occupations in assessment and therapy , 32109

● Psychologists, 31200

● Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, 31301

● clinical perfusionists

● Respiratory therapists, and cardiopulmonary technologists, 32103

● Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, 31100

● Specialists in surgery, 31101

● Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies, 41301

● Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists, 32200

● Veterinarians, 31103

Of course, they may change this or the following lists anytime. Consider the lists in this article unofficial.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations NOC codes

The following NOC codes cover the STEM jobs for category-based Express Entry invitations.

● Architects, 21200

● Architecture and science managers, 20011

● Business systems specialists, 21221

● Civil Engineers, 21300

● Computer and information systems managers, 20012

● Computer engineers (except designers and software engineers and), 21311

● Computer systems developers and programmers, 21230

● Cybersecurity specialists, 21220

● Data scientists, 21211

● Database analysts and data administrators, 21223

● Electrical and electronics engineers, 21310

● Engineering managers, 20010

● Industrial and manufacturing engineers, 21321

● Information systems specialists, 21222

● Land surveyors, 21203

● Landscape Architects, 21201

● Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, 21210

● Metallurgical and materials engineers, 21322

● Natural and applied science policy researchers,program officers and consultants, 41400

● Software developers and programmers, 21232

● Software engineers and designers, 21231

● Urban and land use planners, 21202

● Web designers, 21233

● Web developers and programmers, 21234

Trade occupations NOC codes

There are few trades NOC codes, but here are the ones on the 2023 category-based Express Entry list.

● Residential and commercial installers and servicers, 73200

● Elevator constructors and mechanics, 72406

● Machine fitters, 72405

● Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics, 72402

● Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, 72400

● Carpenters, 72310

● Plumbers, 72300

● Electricians (except industrial and power systems), 72200

● Welders and related machine operators, 72106

● Contractors and supervisors, installers, repairers and servicers, other construction trades,72014

Transport occupations NOC codes

These are the codes for transport occupations.

● Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors, 93200

● Transport truck drivers, 73300

● marine traffic regulators and Railway traffic controllers, 72604

● Engineer officers, water transport, 72603

● Deck officers, water transport, 72602

● Air traffic controllers and related occupations, 72601

● Air pilots,flying instructors and flight engineers, 72600

● Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors, 72404

● Railway carmen/women, 72403

● Managers in transportation, 70020

Agriculture and agri-food occupations NOC codes

The last category-based Express Entry group covers the following occupations:

● Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors, 82030

● Butchers- retail and wholesale, 63201

● Contractor and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services, 82031

It’s important to note that the specific NOC codes and categories may evolve, so it’s recommended to stay updated through official sources and professional guidance.

In summary, the category-oriented selection approach in Canada’s Express Entry system represents a strategic shift towards targeted immigration. By aligning with key industry needs, this change enables the country to welcome skilled individuals who contribute directly to its growth and development. As a prospective immigrant, it’s essential to understand these categories and their corresponding requirements for a successful Express Entry application.

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