Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently clarified the percentage of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) they expect to issue to candidates from each of the six groups eligible for Express Entry category-based draws for the remainder of 2023.

In data provided to the Globe and Mail, Canada's immigration department has provided the following figures. Of the remaining ITAs expected to be issued in 2023: 

• 28% to 31% of ITAs will be issued to candidates eligible under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) category
• 11% to 15% of ITAs will be issued to French-language proficiency candidates
• 9% to 12% of ITAs will be issued to Healthcare candidates
• 3% to 4%  of ITAs will be issued to Trades occupations candidates 
• 1% to 2% of remaining ITAs (each) will go to those eligible for Express Entry category-based draws in Transport and Agriculture occupations 

Click here for a more complete breakdown of the data and rationale behind IRCC's decision.

What are Express Entry Category-Based Draws?

Express Entry category-based draws are a new way of selecting Canadian immigration candidates based on specific economic goals around the country. Since the first category-based draw was conducted in late June 2023, Canada has - to date - issued 10,900 ITAs to candidates across all six categories. 

For 2023, the six chosen Express Entry categories are the following, which were specifically chosen after rounds of public consultation with stakeholders across Canada, as well as using labour market projections and the "input IRCC partners."

• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades 
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food   

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