In a significant policy realignment, Canada has shifted its immigration focus towards labor market needs by introducing occupation-targeted draws under its Express Entry system.
This development marks a strategic evolution from the conventional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)-only model to one that now emphasizes in-demand skills across various industries.
The move is part of the Canadian government’s strategy to address growing labor shortages and support economic growth by inviting skilled immigrants in specific sectors. As of mid-2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now regularly conducts category-based Express Entry draws, targeting candidates with expertise in select occupational fields.
Targeted Occupations and Categories
According to IRCC, the key categories prioritized under the new system include:
- Healthcare: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): Software engineers, data scientists, mathematicians, and IT analysts.
- Trades: Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other construction-related roles.
- Transport: Truck drivers, pilots, and commercial transportation specialists.
- Agriculture and Agri-food: Butchers, food processing workers, and farm supervisors.
- French-language Proficiency: Francophone candidates, regardless of occupation.
These categories are chosen based on labor market projections, employer needs, and demographic objectives. The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data and input from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) inform these decisions.
How It Works
Eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the criteria for a targeted category may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with a CRS score lower than the traditional cutoff. For example, in the June 2025 STEM-focused draw, IRCC issued over 1,200 ITAs to candidates with CRS scores as low as 481.
Category-based draws operate alongside standard all-program draws. This parallel structure allows flexibility and efficiency in meeting evolving labor demands.
Strategic Implications for Nigerian and Global Applicants
This development presents new opportunities for skilled Nigerian professionals in healthcare, tech, and trades to qualify for permanent residency through a more focused pathway. Applicants are encouraged to:
- Update NOC codes according to the new TEER system.
- Enhance language scores, especially in French, which now gives a competitive edge.
- Gain targeted work experience in high-priority occupations.
- Ensure their Express Entry profiles are accurate and complete.
The changes also signify that education and experience alone may no longer be sufficient; alignment with national workforce strategies is now critical.
Broader Impact on Immigration Strategy
The shift reinforces Canada’s goal of a more adaptable and responsive immigration framework. It follows the government’s broader immigration plan to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with a large portion coming through economic programs like Express Entry.
According to Wikipedia, Express Entry has been Canada’s primary economic immigration pathway since 2015. The inclusion of category-based draws signifies a bold modernization of the system to better reflect real-time economic conditions.
For more official updates, visit Canada.ca or IRCC’s newsroom.