Ā
Canada needs you if you are in these top six categories:
š French-language proficiency, Ā Healthcare and social services occupations
šScience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations
šTrade occupations, Ā Agriculture and agri-food occupations, Education occupations
Category-based selection is a new way Canada invites skilled workers to apply for permanent residence. Rather than using just one general pool, the government targets specific groupsādefined by work experience, language skills, or educationāto meet current economic and labour market needs
How It Works: Step by Step
Submit your profile and enter the pool, meeting minimum criteria for one of the three federal programs (like language, work, education)
You receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scoreābased on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability
If you fit the requirements of a specific category, as announced in advance, you’ll be ātaggedā eligibleāsuch as French-language proficiency or a targeted occupation
IRCC invites the highest CRS scorers within each category to apply when they run category-based rounds
If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You then submit a full application within 60 days
Current Categories š§
The latest category rounds include:
IRCC may skip category rounds if general draws already invite enough top candidates for that group
Why Canada Uses It
What’s New for 2025?
Should You Care?
Final Thoughts
Category-based selection makes ExpressāÆEntry more flexible and targeted. Whether you’re a French speaker, healthcare professional, tradesperson, educator, STEM expert, or agri-food specialist, this system boosts your chances. Keep an eye on IRCC announcements and check if you meet upcoming category criteria.