Category Based Selection For Healthcare and Other In Demand Occupations
Jan 30, 2025
Category-based selection is a process within the Express Entry system that allows IRCC to invite candidates who meet specific criteria related to their occupation, language skills, or other factors. This approach aims to address labor shortages and support economic growth in key sectors across Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for category-based selection, candidates must:
Have an active Express Entry profile
Meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class). To find out if you are eligible, read our blog on Express Entry.
Qualify for one or more of the specified categories below.
Categories for Selection
Each category requires you to have accumulated at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part time) in a single occupation (same NOC) within the last 3 years. The experience can be inside or outside Canada.
Each category has a list of eligible NOC codes that determines eligibility within that category. To find out if you are eligible, see the list of NOC codes on the government website. If you don’t know what your NOC is, you can use our NOC Finder.
Healthcare occupations:
Professionals in healthcare, such as dentists, doctors, massage therapists, lab technicians, etc are eligible for this category. For a more extensive list of occupations, see here.
The last healthcare draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on November 20, 2024 with a cut off score of 463. To be updated with the draws, refer the round of invitations.
STEM professions
Engineers, scientists, mathematicians, etc are eligible for this category. For a more extensive list of occupations, see here. The last STEM draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on April 11, 2024 with a cut off score of 491.
Trades occupations
Individuals specialized in trade activities such as plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, electricians, etc are eligible for this category. For a more extensive list of occupations, see here. The last Trade draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on October 23, 2024 with a cut off score of 433.
Transport sector jobs
Pilots, truck drivers, railway carmen/women, managers in transportation, etc are eligible for this category. For a more extensive list of occupations, see here. The last Transport draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on March 13, 2024 with a cut off score of 430.
Agriculture and agri-food roles
Butchers (NOC 63201), Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030), Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services (82031) are the only occupations eligible under this category at this time.
The last Agriculture draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on February 16, 2024 with a cut off score of 437.
Strong French language proficiency
Have a minimum score of NCLC of 7 in all 4 language abilities in the french language tests.
The last French draw (as of January 30th 2025) was conducted on December 3rd, 2024 with a cut off score of 466.
Staying updated with Category based draw cut offs
Invitations, cut off scores and list of eligible occupations keep changing for these categories.
To stay updated, use the below resources:
Benefits of Category-Based Selection
Faster processing: Candidates in high-demand categories may receive invitations more quickly.
Lower cut off scores compared to Canadian Experience Class: category bases selection cut off scores are typically below 500 whereas recent CEC cut offs have been above 500, making people in certain occupations or high French proficiency find an alternate and efficient path to PR.
How It Works
Candidates create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
Candidates are ranked by their CRS scores
IRCC conducts category-based draws
Eligible candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on their CRS ranking and eligibility for the categories.
Invited candidates submit their permanent residence applications through Express Entry
Resources
Find more Blog Posts
Definition List
Don’t know what CRS, FSW, FSTP, CEC, TEER, NOC stand for? No problem! Read this definition list and get all your questions answered.
Feb 6, 2025
Your Guide to Applying for Express Entry
Ready to apply for Express Entry but not sure where to start? Read our step by step guide to help you get started.
Jan 24, 2025
