Eligibility for a category-based selection draw can significantly impact Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores below 500. This is particularly relevant, as the CRS scores for both the general draw and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw have remained above 500 for all of 2024.
Lower Cut-Offs for Category-Based Selection Draws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based selection draws in 2023 to prioritize specific skills and professions that align with Canada’s labor market and demographic needs. The cut-offs for these draws have generally been lower compared to traditional draws.
The current categories include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
To qualify for a category-based selection draw, candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in their occupation within the last three years, whether in Canada or abroad.
For those applying under the French proficiency category, candidates must achieve a minimum score of seven in all four abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
To illustrate how these category-based draws benefit candidates with CRS scores under 500, CIC News has created a few fictional profiles:
Example 1: Transport Occupations
Ahmad, a 32-year-old aircraft assembly inspector from the UAE with a master’s degree in aviation technology, has advanced English skills (CLB 9) and four years of experience. He aims to work in Canada's aviation industry but lacks Canadian work experience or a Canadian degree.
CRS Points Breakdown:
Age: 32 → 94
Education: Master’s degree → 135
English proficiency: CLB 9 → 124
Skills Transferability (Education + Language): CLB 9 + Master’s → 50
Skills Transferability (Foreign Experience + Language): CLB 9 + 4 years → 50
Total: 453 points
The recent Transport category draw in March 2024 had a cut-off score of 430, meaning Ahmad would likely have received an invitation to apply (ITA) if he had a completed profile in the Express Entry pool.
Example 2: Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Alvin, a 34-year-old from the Philippines, moved to Canada for a three-year post-secondary degree in landscape design and horticulture. He has three years of Canadian work experience as a landscape supervisor and possesses intermediate English skills (CLB 8).
CRS Points Breakdown:
Age: 34 → 83
Education: Two post-secondary courses → 128
English proficiency: CLB 8 → 92
Canadian work experience: 3 years → 64
Skills Transferability (Education + Experience): CLB 8 + 3 years → 50
Additional factors: Canadian post-secondary education → 30
Total: 447 points
Alvin’s score was sufficient to receive an ITA in the last agriculture occupations draw, which had a cut-off score of 437 on February 16, 2024.
Example 3: French-Language Proficiency
Sara, a 27-year-old accountant from Morocco with over three years of experience and a finance degree, has advanced French skills (CLB 9) and basic English skills (CLB 5).
CRS Points Breakdown:
Age: 27 → 110
Education: Post-secondary degree → 120
French proficiency: CLB 9 → 124
English proficiency: CLB 5 → 4
Skills Transferability (Education + Language): Points for language skills → 25
Skills Transferability (Foreign Experience + Language): Points for language skills → 50
Additional factors: Proficient in French → 50
Total: 483 points
Sara’s score exceeded the cut-off for the last French-language proficiency draw, which was 444 on October 10.
About Category-Based Selection
Canada's category-based selection is adapting to the nation’s economic and labor market demands. In 2023, 29% of all ITAs were issued to individuals with experience in STEM fields. In 2024, there has been a heightened focus on French language proficiency, which is anticipated to account for 30% of all ITAs from Express Entry draws this year.
This emphasis on French-speaking immigrants aligns with the IRCC’s goal of increasing the number of francophone newcomers settling outside Quebec. The Immigration Minister announced targets for French-speaking newcomers to reach 6% in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026.
IRCC plans to implement new categories based on feedback from various stakeholders, including provincial representatives, industry members, unions, employers, and worker advocacy groups.
Impact of Category-Based Selections on CRS Cut-Off Scores
Since category-based selection draws began, there has been a decrease in general draws, with the last one occurring in April 2024. Conversely, draws for the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and category-based selections have become more frequent, sometimes occurring up to three times a week.
This shift has resulted in a higher minimum CRS score for general and Canadian Experience Class draws, all of which have been 500 or above this year. In contrast, the minimum score for the French-language proficiency category dropped to as low as 336 on February 29.
Overall, since the introduction of category-based selections, the cut-off for general draws has risen significantly, from an average of 489 in the first half of 2023 to 536 in the first half of 2024—an increase of nearly 50 points.
All eligible candidates who keep their profiles updated will be considered for any category-based draws they qualify for, based on current or future in-demand occupations or language skills.
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