In order to meet Canada’s economic needs and address the workforce shortage, the IRCC has begun consultations with the public and stakeholders. To accomplish this, the government intends to create Express Entry draws categories that take into account important attributes. For example, education, professional experience, or proficiency in an official language, rather than just the CRS score alone.
Express Entry applicants may be invited based on their professional experience, industries, and need for workers, whether they have previously lived in Canada as temporary foreign workers or international students. And their level of proficiency in French, according to IRCC.
For talented workers looking for PR (permanent residence) in Canada, Express Entry is a computerized system that manages their applications online. FSWP – (Federal Skilled Worker Program) Canadian Experience Class, or FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trades Program). These are the three pathways through which skilled workers can apply for permanent residence.
In Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program encourages skilled workers with experience to immigrate. Candidates must meet certain requirements, including education, work experience, and language proficiency.
As part of these programs, CRS scores are assigned to applicants who are eligible. The likelihood of getting an ITA – (invitation to apply) is greatest for those with the highest scores. The success of creating the yearly Immigration Levels Plan. It establishes Canada’s annual immigration goals for the following three years and served as the foundation for this decision.
Despite the fact that the consultation procedure only finished on January 8, 2023, the results have yet to be released. The IRCC predicts that a targeted draw will start in the spring of this year. Prior to invitations being delivered, the categories will be made public once the Minister has reached a choice.
Categorization possibilities
Identifying individuals with relevant professional experience in a specific field or industry
A category for work experience in specific sectors or occupations with persistent labor shortages is being considered by the IRCC. A key objective of the consultation process was for respondents to identify areas of the labor market. There was a persistent shortage of workers as well as recommended ways in which immigration could supplement the current Canadian workforce.
Between 2019 and 2021, the following occupations were the most common among those who applied through Express Entry:
- Administrative officers
- Food service supervisors
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Administrative assistants
- Software engineers and designers
- Restaurant and food service managers
- Information systems analysts and consultants
- Cooks
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Retail sales supervisors
Facilitating the transition of international graduates to permanent residency
Express Entry categories for overseas student graduates would be more effective in addressing urgent shortages, according to the IRCC. Students with a degree or diploma in a field that is in demand might qualify for Express Entry if they attend Designated Learning Institutions.
IRCC officials say international student graduates are advantageous candidates for permanent economic immigration since they are fluent in at least one official language, hold Canadian credentials, and have worked in Canada. Canada’s economy will benefit from its presence for many years because they often fall within the core working-age range.
In 2021, Express Entry is anticipated to result in the permanent residency of about 88,000 foreign graduates, an increase of 80% from 2017. Post-Graduation Work Permit holders may find it difficult to obtain permanent residence while in Canada.
Facilitating the transition of temporary foreign workers to permanent residence
In a similar vein to how international student graduates may apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. IRCC will develop a category allowing more temporary foreign workers to apply. Over the course of the consultation, stakeholders expressed concern that Canada’s long-term labor demand is not being met by the supply of temporary foreign workers. By filling crucial job openings, temporary foreign worker programs facilitate economic growth.
It has been discovered that immigrants who have worked in Canada for short periods of time are generally easier to integrate into the labor market. As well as better able to transfer their skills. 64% of economic immigrants changed their status from temporary workers to permanent residents in 2021, accounting for approximately 168,600 immigrants.
Candidates who speak French and both French and another language
It is also possible that the IRCC will accept individuals with French proficiency. Candidates who speak French and are bilingual may also be invited.
Canada’s Francophone migration plan released in 2019 estimates that 4.4% of immigrants living outside Quebec will be fluently bilingual by 2023.
Between 2017 and 2021, 110,000 economically disadvantaged francophones immigrated to Canada. But only 30,000 of them choose to reside somewhere besides Quebec. As a result of extending invitations to more francophone applicants through Express Entry. The government will be able to fill open jobs in areas where knowing French is a required qualification.
The labor shortage in Canada
A number of adjustments have been made to Express Entry as a result of the aging population and the lowest birth rate in the world (1.43 children per woman). Population aging and shrinking revenue bases result in greater demand for social services. The hospital system in Canada would not be able to function without increased skilled immigration.
Globally, as industries become more digital, automated, and environmentally friendly, labor shortages have become more severe. As a result, skills gaps and an increase in job openings are contributing factors to the shortages in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The training required in all of these industries is extensive and specialized.
Express Entry draws – Governmental directive regarding immigration
According to the most recent Minister’s mandate letter, a document that outlines the government’s priorities, these goals should be addressed, among others:
- Ensure that chronic labor shortages are addressed and that the economy is positioned for the future.
- Contribute to the economic growth of Francophone minority communities by supporting immigration and economic development.
In order to achieve these objectives, Bill C-19 was signed into law on June 23, 2022. It is provided that the minister of immigration can select applicants for Express Entry on the basis of important characteristics that are seen as conducive to promoting a given economic priority.
It should be noted that the IRCC is still using the Comprehensive Ranking System for Express Entry. On the basis of their CRS scores, the top applicants in a certain category will be ranked and encouraged to apply.
Candidates eligible for Express Entry-managed programs will be selected based on categories.
