IRCC has started with their categorical draw, starting on June 28, 2023, starting with Health Care workers – only 500 invitations with 476 points.  Then, IRCC did a general draw on July 4, 2023 – again, only 700 invitations with 511 scores (it is higher scores because of the lower invitation – for previous general draws, they have selected over 4,000 invitations).

On July 5, 2023, IRCC did another categoric draw – specifically for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) occupations – 500 invitations only with 486 points.

Based on the above four draws, it appears that IRCC will draw a general draw with a categorical draw alternatively – then, the next draw would be a general draw, followed by a categorical draw of 500 in trade occupations.

For 2023, there are six categories of occupations for such draws as follows:

  1. French-language proficiency
  2. Healthcare occupations
  3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
  4. Trade occupations
  5. Transport occupations
  6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Stay tuned with much patience and endurance!

Learn more here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html