IRCC announced on May 31st that Express Entry’s category-based selection draws will begin for applicants.
French language proficiency or job experience in the following fields will be given preference by IRCC when applying for Express Entry:
- STEM professions
- Healthcare
- Strong French-language proficiency
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Science and technology engineering
A list of professions was determined by the IRCC based on information about job shortages in the Canadian job market. A consultation process was conducted by the IRCC with the provinces, territories, stakeholders, and partners.
A first-ever category-based Express Entry draw was held by the IRCC on June 28 to invite 500 healthcare professionals to apply for permanent residency. 500 applicants for STEM jobs participated in a category-based draw organized by the IRCC on July 5th.
July 6 will mark the start of a third round of category-based drawings for permanent residency for 1,500 healthcare professionals.
What led to the selection of agriculture and agri-food occupations as a category?
Priorities and categories of immigration were determined by soliciting comments and recommendations from many stakeholders and members of the public during consultations conducted by the IRCC. Representatives from provincial and territorial governments were also contacted by IRCC in order to gain an understanding of their possible objectives and requirements.
Moreover, according to the respondents, farm occupations were one of the four areas with the highest demand.
The category of Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting had a 10,535 or 3.9%% job vacancy rate at the end of 2022. According to each province, there were:
- 3,070 job vacancies in Ontario
- 1,950 job vacancies in Quebec
- 2,475 in British Columbia
- 940 in Alberta
- 540 Saskatchewan
- 550 in Manitoba
- 720 in New Brunswick
- 425 in Nova Scotia
- 130 in PEI
What are the occupations in agriculture?
In the category agriculture and agri-food, three jobs are available. The following are included:
- Services related to landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture provided by contractors and supervisors
- Farm supervisors and agricultural service contractors
- As well as shops and wholesalers of butchers
Do agriculture occupations have any eligibility requirements?
For eligibility, you must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs (the FSWP – Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC- Canadian Experience Class, or the FSTP – Federal Skilled Trades Program).
- Worked continuously in one of the listed occupations for at least 6 months within the last 3 years.
- Complete any additional requirements outlined in the round’s instructions.
How will invitations for Express Entry category-based rounds be made?
When candidates qualify for permanent residence based on category-based drawings, IRCC will invite them to submit an application. The following are included in this standard:
- NOC experience in a specific TEER category
- French or English language proficiency
- Education
The CRS scores will be considered in what way?
As well as general and program-specific drawings, there will be category-based ones. Applicants who have the ability to meet the needs of the Canadian labor market and contribute to the advancement of economic objectives are invited to participate in express entry draws.
Applicants in the Express Entry pool are ranked according to the CRS, which is a points-based system. In addition to age, education, language proficiency, and work experience, candidates are ranked according to a variety of factors.
For category-based draws, a candidate’s CRS score will still play a major role. Candidates who receive the highest-ranking scores and who are also qualified for the category-based draw will receive ITA letters from IRCC.
