FAQs for Express Entry’s category-based selection of candidates are essential if we talk about the new developments in the system.
Applicants in managed Express Entry programs will now be selected based on new categories, according to the IRCCs statement. The announcement came almost a full year after the approval of the bill. It offered the immigration minister the power to invite Express Entry applicants who possess particular qualities to promote Canada’s economic objectives. Despite anticipating the targeted draws occurring this year, the IRCC has yet to formally indicate the characteristics that would utilize as selection criteria. Given are some of the most crucial questions that Express Entry candidates might have regarding the new selection categories.
FAQs for Express Entry’s category-based selection – who will be eligible?
Express Entry candidates will be able to qualify under the new selection categories. However, they must possess work experience in the following occupations:
- Healthcare;
- Transport;
- STEM – Science, Technology; Engineering, and Mathematics occupations;
- Carpenters, Contractors, and Plumbers – Trades
- Agriculture and Agri-Food;
- Having strong French-language proficiency, with NCLC 7 in each language aspect, including Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
When will the targeted draws begin?
The new category draws will be occurring later in the summer; however, there has yet to be a specific date as of now.
Will having an Express Entry profile be essential to be selected if one is working under any of the eligible occupations?
Yes. The applicants must fulfill all qualifying requirements for an Express Entry managed program. The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC, and the Federal Skilled Trades program are all eligible programs.
Will CRS have no significance in the Express Entry?
For Express Entry drawings, a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will still be taken into consideration. Additionally, the IRCC will continue to conduct draws in which applicants are selected without consideration of any of the six categories. This could apply to both general and program-specific draws. The Express Entry pool of candidates who satisfy the category requirements will attain rankings, according to IRCC. Meanwhile, the top candidates will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
FAQs for Express Entry’s category-based selection – will the criteria for each new category differ?
All applicants must fit into one of the five categories based on their occupation:
- Having accrued, within the last three years, at least six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the qualified occupations.
- Satisfy all criteria listed in the round’s instructions.
Candidates invited based on their high level of French language proficiency must have French language test results. Further, they must demonstrate a minimum score of 7 in each of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Moreover, they must satisfy all the requirements listed in the instructions for that round.
Will the Express Entry draws for PNP candidates still continue?
Through general and rounds particular to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the IRCC said it would continue to provide invitations to candidates who have received a provincial or territorial nomination. According to the agency, these individuals have shown they possess the knowledge, training, and work experience necessary to boost the province or territory’s economy.
What is the need for these new selection categories?
The role of Canada’s minister of immigration is to assist the country’s economic objectives and encourage the expansion of French-speaking communities outside of Quebec to maintain French’s status as one of the country’s official languages.
The goal of the new categories is to fill a large number of open positions across Canada. The existing employment shortages in various sectors can be helped by targeted immigration, which can also increase the number of French speakers in areas with French minorities outside Quebec.
According to Minister Fraser, accepting more qualified workers in these selected professions will help Canada attract in-demand people to all its towns.
What was the IRCCs decision-making process for new categories?
The IRCC states that it determined the categories after required discussions and public consultations with stakeholders. These include provinces and territories, business leaders, labor unions, employers, employees, worker advocacy organizations, settlement service providers, immigration researchers, and practitioners.
FAQs for Express Entry’s category-based selection – will the categories change?
An IRCC report submitted to the parliament can lead to a change in these categories annually. Additionally, it includes the following:
- Categories from last year (2022).
- The process and the reason behind their selection.
- The number of ITAs sent to each category.
- The guidelines to develop a category.
The Express Entry Year-End Report will reportedly feature details about category-based selection, according to IRCC.
