Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week. On September 20, IRCC extended invitations to 1,000 candidates in transportation occupations to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score needed to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) was 435.
Additionally, on September 19, IRCC issued 3,200 invitations to candidates in an all-program draw. With a minimum CRS score requirement of 531.
Canada’s First Express Entry Draw for Transport Occupations
Today, the first-ever category-based selection draw for Express Entry candidates with experience in transport occupations marked a historic milestone. IRCC has initiated this particular focus on transport occupations to address the urgent labor shortage within this sector.
Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez emphasized the significance of the transportation sector in Canada’s economy, stating. “The transportation sector is vital to our economy, and to keep it thriving, we must invest in the individuals who facilitate the movement of people and goods. Through this innovative initiative, we are addressing a critical skills shortage and attracting new, talented individuals to communities across Canada. Professionals such as truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers, and seafarers play pivotal roles in our economy and the lives of Canadians. Filling vacancies in these professions will contribute to economic growth and create more robust and resilient supply chains.”
This summer saw an increase in Express Entry draws compared to previous years. Thanks to the introduction of category-based selection rounds of invitations. However, there had been a draw pause since August 15, when 4,300 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an all-program draw. IRCC has not explained this break.
Express Entry Overview
Express Entry is an application management system for Canada’s primary economic immigration pathways: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Each of these Express Entry programs has distinct eligibility criteria, yet they all utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank candidates relative to one another. This system evaluates various human capital factors like language proficiency, age, work experience, occupation, and education, assigning scores accordingly. Candidates with the highest CRS scores stand the best chance of receiving invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Express Entry candidates who have obtained a provincial nomination enjoy even more excellent prospects of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is because Express Entry candidates, also part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points. This proves advantageous since most Express Entry draws typically have a CRS score range of 350-550, contingent on the specific program or category.
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