On May 31st, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser revealed the launch of category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates. IRCC will prioritize candidates with a strong French language proficiency or work experience in the following fields:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food.
Insights informed the selection of these occupations by IRCC on labor market shortages in Canada. IRCC collaborated with provinces, territories, and stakeholders nationwide to gather input.
On June 28th, IRCC conducted its inaugural category-based Express Entry draw, extending invitations to 500 healthcare workers for permanent residency applications. A subsequent draw, inviting 1,500 healthcare workers, is scheduled for July 5th.
Furthermore, another category-based draw is anticipated on July 5th, specifically targeting eligible candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions.
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The Reasoning Behind Selecting Transport Occupations as a Category
Employment and Social Development Canada reported a significant increase in occupations facing shortages, doubling between 2019 and 2021.
In 2022 Q4, Statistics Canada released job vacancy data, including wholesale and retail trades within the Trades category. Vacancies in wholesale businesses totaled 30,930, while retail trades had 108,795 vacancies.
IRCC conducted a public consultation on enhancing Express Entry through category-based selection, gathering feedback from various stakeholders and the public.
Stakeholders overwhelmingly supported using category-based selection to address labor market shortages in specific occupations or sectors, with trades, transport, and equipment operations as the sector with the most significant needs, with approximately 16% of respondents primarily representing this sector.
Transport Occupation Categories
The transport occupation category encompasses a range of 10 occupations, including:
- Transport truck drivers
- Managers in transportation
- Air traffic controllers and related occupations
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors
- Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
- Engineer officers, water transport
- Deck officers, water transport
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Railway carmen/women
Eligibility Requirements for Transport Occupation Categories
To qualify, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- Satisfy the eligibility criteria of one of the Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Possess a minimum of 6 months of uninterrupted work experience in one of the specified occupations within the last 3 years.
- Fulfill all other requirements mentioned in the instructions for the specific round.
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Consideration of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Scores
Express Entry draws are held regularly, encompassing general and program-specific draws, aiming to invite high-ranking candidates who align with the Canadian labor market and economic objectives.
Candidates are evaluated and ranked within the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This points-based system that considers age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more factors.
CRS scores will continue to play a crucial role in category-based draws. IRCC will extend invitations to candidates with the highest ranking scores who also meet the eligibility criteria for the specific category-based draw.
Selection Process for Express Entry Category-Based Rounds of Invitation
IRCC will issue invitations to eligible candidates in category-based draws, inviting them to apply for permanent residence under a specific category. The eligibility criteria encompass the following:
- Work experience in a designated Technical, Engineering, or Engineering-related (TEER) National Occupational Classification (NOC) category.
- Proficiency in either English or French language.
- Education qualifications.
If you want to receive the invitation to live and work in Canada, you’re in the right place. Fill out our Free Assessment Form now, and our immigration consultant will schedule you a call, so you won’t have to waste more time starting the process.
