After a month-long suspension, IRCC has officially confirmed the resumption of Express Entry draws, providing hopeful immigration candidates with renewed opportunities.
The most recent Express Entry draw was held on August 15th, which was more than a month ago. Invitations were granted to 4,300 candidates in this draw, which was open to all programs and required a minimum CRS score of 496. Candidates are evaluated for eligibility in an all-program draw if they are in the Express Entry applicant pool and meet the stated minimum CRS score criterion.
IRCC announces resumption of Express Entry draws – Expect transport job draw this week
As per a statement released on September 18, eligible Express Entry applicants under the new category-based selection for transportation jobs may receive invitations later this week. If deemed eligible, invitations will be extended to these candidates.
These professionals fall under this category, which also includes commercial truck drivers, aviators, and people who assemble airplanes.
The progress of the Canadian economy depends on these positions being filled, according to IRCC. The government is committed to enhancing infrastructure and transportation. This commitment is aimed at facilitating safe and efficient movement across the nation. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized this dedication.
With the implementation of category-based selection, Canada is now able to welcome immigrants with experience in the transportation industry, helping to fill critical labor gaps and ensuring the continued prosperity of the country’s transportation industry.
An overview of category-based selection
On June 22, 2022, the Canadian government began a massive revision to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This amendment makes it possible to choose immigrants based on particular qualities that complement the nation’s economic interests.
The IRCC subsequently unveiled a total of six new categories created specifically for Express Entry applicants on May 31, 2022. One of these is designated for applicants who have a high level of French language proficiency. The next five categories are designed primarily to address labor shortages in industries with high demand for qualified people. These adjustments will streamline Canada’s immigration policy. They will also align it more effectively with the nation’s economic requirements and goals.
For the year 2023, the following categories were chosen for category-based selection rounds:
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Transport
- Healthcare
- STEM professions
Following the introduction of the new immigration categories, there has been a series of draws aimed at selecting candidates based on their distinct fields of work. These draws have been instrumental in aligning Canada’s immigration approach with the specific occupational needs of the country.
These draws are designed to align Canada’s immigration efforts more closely with the occupational needs of the country. Specifically, a total of two draws were conducted for healthcare positions, along with one draw for STEM positions, and three draws for candidates proficient in French. Additionally, one draw was held for skilled crafts positions. As a result of these category-based selection drawings, 10,900 applicants will receive invitations in 2023.
IRCC emphasizes that the category-based selection method is crucial for attracting top international talent. Additionally, it plays a vital role in meeting Canada’s growing demand for transportation workers. According to a recent report in the Globe and Mail, the significance of positions within the transportation industry in Canada’s immigration plan is notable. As a result, it is anticipated that one to two percent of the candidates selected through the Express Entry category-based selection draws will be from the transportation sector. This highlights the strategic importance of filling roles within this industry to support Canada’s immigration objectives.
