On September 28, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first-ever Express Entry draw specific to occupation categories, granting 600 Invitations to Apply (ITA) exclusively to candidates employed in Agriculture and agri-food occupations. During this 267th round, the cutoff score reached an all-time low for 2023, standing at 354 points. The tie-breaking criterion employed for this draw was based on June 12, 2023, at 10:23:21 UTC. As of September 26, 2023, the Express Entry pool contained a total of 214,000 registered profiles. Throughout the current year, Canada issued a total of 86,048 ITAs through the Express Entry draws.
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Category-based Express Entry Draws
An exclusive feature within the Express Entry system, referred to as category-based selection rounds, centers around candidates with particular professional backgrounds or other highly sought-after attributes. There are six distinct categories through which prospective candidates can meet the eligibility criteria:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
The implementation of these categories was anticipated to occur this year, as it follows a modification to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) in 2022. This change granted the immigration minister the power to choose Express Entry candidates who are more likely to contribute to Canada’s objectives of bolstering the economy and fostering the use of the French language outside of Quebec.
The Agriculture and agri-food category encompasses the following occupations:
- Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services – 82031 (2021 NOC code)
- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors – 82030 (2021 NOC code)
- Butchers- retail and wholesale – 63201 (2021 NOC code)
How mana immigration Can Help
Are you looking for help with the Express Entry system and strategies to enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score? At mana immigration, our primary objective is to support individuals in achieving their goal of relocating to Canada. Our team consists of experts specializing in various immigration pathways, including a wide array of programs within the Express Entry System, all designed to improve our clients’ chances of receiving invitations. Seize the opportunity to calculate your CRS Score today and allow our professionals to assist you in optimizing it. If you require further details about your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to complete our assessment form. We will promptly schedule a consultation session for you.
