IRCC Reveals New Selection Categories for Express Entry Candidates
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Immigration Minister, has introduced category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates.
New Selected Categories
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will prioritize Express Entry candidates with excellent French language skills or work experience in the following sectors: the
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields
- Healthcare
- Trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and contracting
- Agriculture and agri-food industries
- Transportation
The minister emphasizes that expanding IRCC’s invitation to skilled workers in these specific occupations will uphold Canada’s dedication to welcoming high professionals into communities nationwide.
For a comprehensive list of eligible occupations within the new categories, please refer to this link.
The new categories are expected to start holding draws during the upcoming summer months.
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Reasons Behind the Introduction of New Express Entry Categories
Introducing new Express Entry categories aims to address job vacancies across Canada. Immigration plays a vital role in alleviating labor shortages and promoting the prominence of the French language in French minority communities outside of Quebec.
Fraser asserts that Canada’s immigration system is exceptionally responsive to the country’s social and economic needs. According to Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, employers nationwide have consistently expressed concerns about chronic labor shortages. He believes that the changes to the Express Entry system will ensure access to skilled workers, facilitating business growth and success. Simultaneously, the adjustments will contribute to the overall economic development of Canada and assist businesses grappling with labor shortages. Additionally, including French-proficient candidates will help sustain the vitality of French-speaking communities.
Following amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2022, category-based draws were expected to commence this year. These changes grant the Minister the authority to select immigrants based on key attributes that align with Canada’s economic priorities.
Selection Process for the New Express Entry Categories
The selection of the new Express Entry categories followed legislative obligations mandating the Minister’s engagement in public consultations with provinces, territories, industry representatives, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners.
On an annual basis, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will provide a report to Parliament. This report will include information on the categories chosen in the preceding year, the reasons and methodology behind their selection, the instructions for establishing each category, and the number of invitations issued for each respective category.
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