Maple News reports that for many aspiring immigrants, category-based selection (CBS) under Canada’s Express Entry system remains one of the most accessible routes to permanent residency (PR). Introduced in May 2023, CBS was designed to address labor shortages in key sectors and support francophone immigration. Since its launch, it has quickly emerged as a favorable path for candidates with work experience or language skills that align with the federal government’s targeted priorities.
One of the primary advantages of CBS is its relatively lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores compared to general or program-specific draws. This makes it easier for eligible candidates—particularly those with fewer CRS points—to receive an invitation to apply for PR. Additionally, many CBS draws require only six months of qualifying work experience, either in Canada or abroad, depending on the category.
Current Express Entry categories include healthcare and social services, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), skilled trades, agriculture and agri-food, education, French-language proficiency, and physicians with Canadian work experience. Each category addresses a specific labor market need, allowing the government to strategically target skilled newcomers where they are most needed.
To qualify for a CBS invitation, applicants must first meet the criteria for an Express Entry program (such as the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class), possess experience in a designated occupation or reach a specified level of French language ability, and meet the ministerial instructions for the specific round of invitations. Unique to the physicians category is the requirement for one full year of work experience exclusively in Canada.
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a total of 58 Express Entry draws, 19 of which were category-based. This continued emphasis on targeted selection illustrates IRCC’s ongoing effort to meet demographic and economic needs more precisely while offering a fairer chance to candidates who may not compete well in high-CRS-score general draws.
Despite its advantages, experts caution that CBS is not without limitations. The frequency of draws for specific categories can vary, and some candidates may not qualify for any of the targeted groups. It’s essential for applicants to stay informed about category updates and monitor CRS trends to optimize their immigration strategy.
Category-based draws present a valuable opportunity for professionals in in-demand fields, particularly those concerned about high CRS cut-offs in general draws. For many, this targeted approach significantly boosts their chances of becoming permanent residents in Canada, while also enhancing the nation’s economic resilience and diversity.
According to Maple News, Canada’s focus on CBS reflects a more strategic and adaptive immigration framework—one that supports both national priorities and individual pathways to success.