Canada: New Category-Based Selection Process for Express Entry Candidates Announced

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced the launch of the first-ever category-based selection process for Canada’s flagship economic immigration program – Express Entry. Under the category-based selection process, the government will invite candidates with specific skills, training, education, or language ability related to specific categories established by the Minister, to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The government has chosen the following categories for 2023: candidates who have a strong French language proficiency; or work experience in healthcare; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions; trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors; transport; and agriculture and agri-food. The government is expected to start sending the first category-based invitations to apply in June-August 2023. These invitations will be in addition to the existing general points-based invitation rounds. According to the government, category-based selection will make the Express-Entry program more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labor market needs.