On November 16, 2022, IRCC replaced the NOC 2016 system with the NOC 2021 edition. Due to the IRCC’s switch to NOC 2021, 16 additional jobs are now available for Express Entry. These increases are in part due to severe labor shortages across Canada. As well as foreign truck drivers and bus drivers are also now qualified for Express Entry.
Shortage of school bus drivers in Canada
School bus drivers are in shortage throughout Canada’s busing industry in various regions. As a result of things such as poor wages and an increase in retirements during the Pandemic, many municipalities are having difficulty providing transportation for students.
8000 students were set to compete in a cross-country meet in London, Ontario in October when the event had to be canceled due to a lack of job opportunities.
A lack of school bus drivers also led to the cancellation of multiple bus routes in Montreal in October 2022, according to Global News. Yellowknife’s first week of 2023 saw a similar scenario occur in a small hamlet.
School bus transportation is essential for many students across the country. Every day, 2.2 million Canadian children rely on school buses to get to and from school, making this form of transportation an essential part of their lives. Therefore, a labor shortage in this sector could have a major detrimental effect on these young people.
Truck driver shortage in Canada
Trucking is an important component of the Canadian national supply chain. When disruptions and labor shortages occur in the sector, TruckingHR Canada says, “the high unemployment rate negatively impacts the national economy.”
Approximately 34,000 drivers are predicted to leave trucking each year, primarily due to issues related to safety, upfront training expenditures, retirements, and work-life balance. The Canadian economy, therefore, will continue to suffer if nationwide labor shortages worsen, since 9.1% of jobs in Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 2021: 73300) were available in Q2 of 2022.
To alleviate transportation industry labor shortages, Express Entry has been modified
The IRCC has made it possible for transport truck drivers and bus drivers to apply for immigration to Canada through Express Entry in order to address the aforementioned labor shortages. The Government of Canada remains hopeful that the expansion of Express Entry eligibility and other changes such as targeted draws, will motivate more foreign nationals to migrate to Canada, particularly those with the skill sets necessary to fill the nation’s most pressing employment needs, including those mentioned.
IRCC will use Targeted Express Entry draws to identify potential immigrants who possess specific characteristics such as language proficiency, educational backgrounds, or work experience, regardless of their CRS score. Draws for targeted Express Entry should start as soon as Q2 2023. As Canada gets closer to implementing the new procedure, more details on targeted Express Entry draws will become available.
Immigrants driving trucks and buses abroad may have other options for immigration
Aside from Express Entry, foreign nationals have several options for immigrating to Canada.
Alternative pathways to immigrating to Canada include the AIP – (Atlantic Immigration Program), PNP – (Provincial Nominee Program), and RNIP – (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot), which are available in 11 of the 13 Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut).
Local governments have the option to select which foreign-skilled people they believe will best fill labor market gaps in their area through the aforementioned initiatives and others across the country.
Furthermore, a prospective immigrant should research any required certifications and qualifications in their country for becoming a truck or bus driver. To perform well in their role, they may also need to be able to communicate with the local population, which may require them to learn a foreign language. It may also be helpful to reach out to employers in the area, as they may be able to provide more information on the specific qualifications and requirements needed to work in the industry.
