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Express Entry Category-Based Selection Canada
Table of Contents
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways to obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada. In addition to general draws, IRCC also conducts category-based selection (also known as category-based draws) to invite candidates whose qualifications align with Canada’s current labour priorities of such as targeted occupations and proficiency in the French language.
If you’re seeking in-demand work in Canada, this page outlines the various Express Entry categories and the eligible job titles as per the IRCC’s published list. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals who want to understand Express Entry eligibility, an Express Entry NOC match and strategize on a better Express Entry profile.
What Is Category-Based Selection In Express Entry Canada?
During a category-based round, IRCC ranks successful applicants in the Express Entry pool and invites the best profiles that that meet the specific category requirements. Most occupation-based categories have a minimum of one year of recent work experience (full-time or other) in an eligible occupation. Certain categories require Canadian work experience.
Category-based rounds provide opportunities for candidates who may not meet the CRS cut-off in general draws but have work experience in high-demand sectors.
Current Express Entry Categories (IRCC)
IRCC now has the following categories:
- French category Express Entry (French-language proficiency)
- Occupations in the field of healthcare and social services.
- STEM occupations
- Trade occupations
- Education occupations
- Transport occupations
- Canadian physicians who have work experience.
- Canadian work experience, senior managers.
- Scholars that have Canadian work experience.
- Skilled military recruits
1) French Category Express Entry: French-Language Proficiency
This is not an occupation specific category. If your French language proficiency is strong (commonly searched as French language Express Entry and TEF Canada on the Express Entry), you may qualify based on the instructions of the round.
This is one of the most effective ways to enhance your Express Entry points and general CRS score particularly for applicants who do not reside in Canada.
2) Healthcare And Social Services Occupations (Healthcare Express Entry draw)
If you work in healthcare (nurses and allied health included), following are the occupations that may be eligible to receive an invitation to apply.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Clinical and laboratory medicine experts (31100)
- Specialists in surgery (31101)
- General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
- Veterinarians (31103)
- Dentists (31110)
- Optometrists (31111)
- Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (31112)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Dietitians and nutritionists (31121)
- Psychologists (31200)
- Chiropractors (31201)
- Physiotherapists (31202)
- Occupational therapists (31203)
- Other professional jobs in the field of health diagnosing and treating (31209).
- Nursing supervisor and coordinators (31300)
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
- Nurse practitioners (31302)
- Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (31303)
- Licensed practical nurses (32101)
- Paramedical occupations (32102)
- Clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
- Respiratory therapists.
- Veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
- Therapy and assessment, other technical occupations (32109)
- Dental therapists and dental hygienists (32111)
- Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
- Medical radiologic technologists (32121)
- Medical sonographers (32122)
- Electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123) and cardiology technologists.
- Pharmacy technicians (32124)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Massage therapists (32201)
- Technical occupations of medical laboratory assistant (33101)
- Orderlies and patient service associates (33102) nurse aides.
- Pharmacy assistant (33103) and pharmacy technical assistant (33103)
- Social workers (41300)
- Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
- Social and community service workers (42201)
3) STEM Occupations (STEM Express Entry)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) continues to be one of the pillars of the Canadian economy with a focus on the following occupations.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Architecture and science managers (20011)
- Cybersecurity specialists (21220)
- Civil engineers (21300)
- Mechanical engineers (21301)
- Electrical and electronics engineers (21310)
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
- Geological engineers (21331)
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
- Technologists and technicians, mechanical engineering (22301)
- Technological Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
- Insurance agents and brokers (63100)
4) Trade Occupations (trades Express Entry)
Skilled trades in Canada are actively sought internationally with a focus on the following occupations:
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Construction estimators (22303)
- Construction managers (70010)
- Home building and renovation managers (70011)
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100)
- Sheet metal workers (72102)
- Welders and related machine operators (72106)
- Electricians (except industrial and power system) (72200)
- Industrial electricians (72201)
- Plumbers (72300)
- Gas fitters (72302)
- Carpenters (72310)
- Cabinetmakers (72311)
- Bricklayers (72320)
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (72400)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (72402)
- Electrical mechanics (72422)
- Water well drillers (72501)
- Other technical trades and related occupations (72999)
- Concrete finishers (73100)
- Roofers and shinglers (73110)
- Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (73112)
- Floor covering installers (73113)
- Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021)
- Butchers – retail and wholesale (63201)
5) Education Occupations
Education is a key factor for applicants seeking Canada PR; particularly for teachers and early childhood professionals.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Secondary school teachers (41220)
- Elementary and kindergarten teachers (41221)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (42202).
- Special education teachers (42203)
- Assistant teacher, elementary and secondary school (43100)
6) Transport Occupations
The transport sector in Canada has a focused list of occupations (not all the jobs of logistics are covered), and Transport entries as listed below:
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (72404)
- Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors (72600)
- Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (22313)
- Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers (72410)
7) Physicians With Canadian Work Experience
This type is particular: it must have new qualifying work experience in Canada.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)
- Specialists in surgery (31101)
- General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
8) Senior Managers With Canadian Work Experience
This category also requires recent qualifying work experience in Canada.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (00012)
- Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations (00013)
- Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services (00014)
- Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities (00015)
9) Researchers With Canadian Work Experience
This stream is designed for individuals with recent research roles in Canada. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for those contributing to academic or scientific advancements. This category requires recent qualifying work experience in Canada.
Eligible job titles (NOC 2021) include:
- University professors and lecturers (41200)
- Post-secondary teaching and research assistants (41201)
10) Skilled Military Recruits
This category targets foreign military personnel with experience who have an offer to join the Canadian Armed Forces. It offers a direct route to permanent residency for skilled recruits.
Eligible occupations include:
- Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces (40042)
- Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces (42102)
- Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces (43204)
How To Check Your Express Entry NOC Correctly
To be eligible, your NOC 2021 match should be true, and your real job responsibilities not only your job title. The same title may be used by two individuals, with different responsibilities, and only one of them may fit into the right TEER code.
If your goal is Canada permanent residence, your next steps should focus on:
- Confirming the correct NOC and duties alignment
- Making sure your documents support the work experience claimed
- Improving CRS score (language results, education, spouse factors)
- Tracking each Express Entry draw and the latest Express Entry draw trends
- Considering alignment with PNP, CEC, FSW, or FST strategies depending on your profile
To obtain expert guidance, MAK Immigration can assist you in validating your NOC, develop a legitimate Express Entry plan, and create a solid application that meets the standards of the IRCC.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is category-based selection in Express Entry Canada?
It is a selective invitation round in which IRCC invites those in the pool who satisfy certain criteria such as work experience in occupations that are eligible or have proficiency in the French language.
Does category-based selection lower the CRS cut off?
It may sometimes, depending on the round instructions, and the number of candidates invited, and the competitiveness of the pool.
Do I need a job offer for Canada PR through Express Entry?
No, express entry is not dependent on a job offer and points are no longer awarded for job offers under express entry.
