Category-based selection in Express Entry allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet specific criteria established by the Minister to address labour market needs. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for one of the three Express Entry programs and the specific category criteria to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

• Category-based rounds invite candidates eligible for specific categories established by the Minister to meet economic goals.
• Candidates are invited based on criteria including official language ability, work experience in specific occupations, and education.
• Candidates must create an Express Entry profile and be eligible under federal skilled worker, federal skilled trades, or Canadian experience class programs.
• Candidates are ranked by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score within the eligible category.
• Current categories include French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services occupations, STEM occupations, trade occupations, education occupations, transport occupations, physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian work experience, researchers with Canadian work experience, and skilled military recruits.
• Eligibility for each category requires meeting minimum Express Entry criteria and specific category requirements detailed in round instructions.
• Candidates have 60 days to apply for permanent residence after receiving an invitation.
• IRCC reports annually to Parliament on chosen categories, number of invitations issued, and rationale for category selection.

• Introduction of category-based rounds to supplement general and program-specific rounds to meet identified economic goals.
• Annual reporting to Parliament on category selection and outcomes.

• Candidates in the Express Entry pool eligible under federal skilled worker, federal skilled trades, or Canadian experience class programs who meet specific category criteria.
• Employers and stakeholders interested in labour market-driven immigration selection.

• Create an Express Entry profile in your IRCC secure account.
• Ensure eligibility for one of the three Express Entry programs.
• Meet specific category criteria as announced for each round.
• If invited, submit a permanent residence application within 60 days.

• Category-based rounds are held as announced by IRCC; specific dates and instructions are provided in advance.

• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html