Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the resumption of Express Entry draws this week after a one-month pause.
The most recent Express Entry draw occurred over a month ago, on August 15. This was an all-program draw, inviting 4,300 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 496. In all-program draw, candidates within the Express Entry application pool meeting the specified minimum CRS score are eligible for consideration.
Category-Based Selection
Furthermore, on June 22, 2022, the Government of Canada amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to enable the selection of immigrants. Based on specific attributes that align with the country’s economic priorities.
As of May 31, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced six novel categories for Express Entry candidates. One of these categories is designated for individuals demonstrating proficiency in the French language. While the other five focus on critical employment sectors facing shortages in skilled labor:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades encompassing carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transportation
- Agriculture and agri-food
Since the introduction of these new categories, there have been two draws targeting healthcare occupations. One for STEM occupations, three draws for French-speaking candidates, and one for skilled trades. Through these draws, a total of 10,900 candidates have been invited via category-based selection draws in 2023.
Moreover, IRCC contends that category-based selection will enable Canada to attract top-tier global talent and meet the demand for transportation workers to support the nation’s economy. According to a recent report from the Globe and Mail, the estimation is that transport-related occupations will constitute one to two percent of each Express Entry category-based selection draw.
Anticipated Selection of Transport Occupations Set for This Week
In a statement released on September 18, the department has confirmed its intention to issue invitations to Express Entry candidates. Those, who satisfy the eligibility criteria for the new category-based selection dedicated to transport occupations later this week.
In addition, this category encompasses various roles, including commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers.
The IRCC emphasizes that filling these positions will contribute to the advancement of Canada’s economy.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated, “As Canada continues to expand its economy, we dedicate ourselves to enhancing transportation and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the nation. The category-based selection allows us to extend invitations to newcomers with expertise in transport occupations, thereby addressing significant labor shortages and securing the future success of the Canadian transport sector.”
