Express Entry Category Based Draws: Occupation-Based Selections

Express Entry is a popular pathway for skilled newcomers to become permanent residents of Canada. The Canadian government typically uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess which candidates to invite for Express Entry based on factors such as age, education, skilled work experience and language proficiency. A high CRS score is needed to get an invite for a Canada Express Entry draw.  

In 2023, however, the government announced occupation-based Express Entry draws as a means of alleviating Canada’s labour shortage. Occupation-based Express Entry draws target 82 occupations in the healthcare, STEM, trades, transport and agricultural fields. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada have stated that additional fields may be added later in the year. Skilled candidates with exceptional French language skills are also targeted in occupation-based Express Entry draws. Most provinces have been offering occupation-specific invites for several years. 

Eligibility for Occupation-Based Express Entry Draws 

In order to be eligible for an occupation-based Express Entry draw, skilled candidates must have accumulated at least 6 months of Canadian work experience in either the healthcare, STEM, trades, transport or agricultural fields. In a regular Express Entry draw, candidates need at least one year’s work experience in Canada in order to get invited to apply for permanent residency.  

Express Entry Draw Score 2023 – Latest STEM Based Draw 

Occupation-based Express Entry draws typically have a lower CRS score. In the latest Express Entry draw, French speakers with a CRS score of 435 were invited to apply for permanent residency. So far in 2023, targeted draws have taken place for those in the STEM and healthcare fields. This year is a great time for immigrants with French language ability or working in the healthcare, STEM, trades, transport and agricultural sectors to get permanent residency in Canada.  

Apply for a Windmill Loan 

At Windmill Microlending, we provide low-interest microloans to skilled immigrants with permanent status in Canada. We are passionate about empowering newcomers to achieve their career goals. Our microloans can be used to pay for accreditation, training, exam fees and even living expenses while pursuing further education.  

Are you a permanent resident of Canada with an interest in upskilling? Apply for a Windmill loan today to take your career to the next level. To find out more about how a Windmill loan can support your professional goals, click here.