The latest Category based draws from IRCC selects candidates from the Express Entry pool based on specific occupations or attributes not just CRS scores. This has made Express Entry highly competitive.
Current Active Categories:2025
Agriculture and Agri-Food (Butchers – retail and wholesale)
French Language Proficiency
If you are planning to submit your EE profile please check if your NOC code (job role) is in targeted category. Then create your Express Entry profile and ensure that your NOC matches with your job duties. You need valid proof of language. You can go for either English language or French language. Mostly, applicants are English language speakers.
You fill all the required information and submit your Express Entry profile and then wait for the draw. If you get selected in the draw you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Then, you have to submit your complete PR application within 60 days.
It’s important to note that you need at least 6 months of work experience in targeted occupations to be eligible for targeted draws. You must also be eligible for Express Entry to submit your file. The primary requirement is one year skilled work experience in the last 3 years.
Still you need to compete with other people in the category based draws. You can improve your chances of getting ITA by boosting your CRS score. Here are some of the ways.
- Retake your IELTS/CELPIP/PTE CORE for better scores.
- Get ECA for your highest level of education.
- Gain Canadian work experience.
- Try to get EE PNP-600 points worth.
- Learn French language.
French language will not only improve your CRS score but also make you eligible for EE French draws. You need proficiency CLB 7.
Now days a lot of temporary residents and international students are studying French language so that they become eligible in Express Entry French language Draws. This targeted draw is known to be the least competitive from others.
People can also do some short term courses in Canada less than 6 months to gain knowledge and skills which can make them eligible to gain jobs eligible in targeted draws for e.g. PSW.
That means you can do some short term courses such as PSW, ECEA and etc. and make career in these in demand sectors which can increase your chances of getting ITA in next targeted draws.