How to Maximize Your Chances of Success in Express Entry

It may seem that the category-based draws in an Express Entry System are a game of luck, but there are ways to increase your odds of winning. You can learn valuable insights by studying past winners and the selection criteria.

Play to your Strengths

One way to enter categories where you are competitively advantaged is by focusing on those categories. By showcasing expertise and experience in specific fields, you can stand out from other participants and increase the chances of being selected.

Diversify Your Entries

While it’s important to play to your strengths, it’s also beneficial to diversify your entries across multiple categories. This will not only increase your chances of winning, but also allow you to explore new opportunities.

Stay Up-to-Date

To maximise your chances in Draws based on categories, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your chosen categories. By staying on top of industry trends and preferences, you can customize your entries.

Network and Collaborate

It can also be beneficial to build connections within the community. By forming connections with other participants and potential collaborators you can gain valuable insight and support, which may improve your chances of succeeding.

In recent weeks several media outlets have reported that many immigrants are concerned over the high CRS threshold scores. In 2024, no general Express Entry draw has had a minimum/cutoff CRS score lower than 524.

CRS scores for category based selection draws in 2020

IRCCThere have been eight Express Entry draws based on categories so far this year.

Compared to IRCC’s nine general and program-specific draws this year, the department’s CRS cut-off for category-based draws has been at least 33 points lower in every 2024 draw.

Specifically, IRCC’s eight category-based draws so far this year breakdown as follows:

Accordingly, Express Entry candidates who are concerned about obtaining a CRS score that is high enough for IRCC’s general draws may find value in pursuing an ITA through IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draws, as this allows eligible candidates to benefit from a generally lower CRS cut-off requirement.

Am I eligible for a category-based selection system?

To be eligible for a ITA through a draw based on category, candidates will need to meet a specific set of criteria based on the category that they fall under.

More: Visit this dedicated webpage for more details on all six categories, and to see if you may be eligible for IRCC’s category-based draws, depending on your NOC code and other criteria.

Applicants must meet certain criteria in addition to the requirements outlined in the instructions of a particular round of invitations. These criteria vary depending on the category.

French language proficiency category

• Have a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

In April, IRCC revealed that French language proficiency will make up the majority (30%) ITAs granted through category-based draws in this year.

Categories of occupation

In 2024, IRCC will focus on candidates with work experience in five industries.

• Healthcare
• STEM
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agrifood

In order to be eligible for a category-based selection, candidates must have a minimum of six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent half-time) work in the last three (3) years. This work experience could have been gained in Canada or overseas.

Note:The list of National Occupation Classifications (NOC) codes that are eligible for a job depends on the occupational category. However, the qualifying work experience must be in one occupation under a qualifying NOC in the given category.