IRCC prioritizing transport occupations in category-based Express Entry draw. On May 31st, IRCC announced that category-based selection drawings would begin for Express Entry applicants. If you have experience in the following fields or possess a high level of French language skills, you will receive preference from the IRCC for Express Entry:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Healthcare
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Transport
Based on labor market shortages and thorough consultations with partners, provinces, territories, and stakeholders across Canada, IRCC carefully chose the professions.
500 people were invited to apply for permanent residency as part of IRCC’s first Express Entry draw for healthcare professionals, which was a historic decision. There will be another lottery for 1,500 additional healthcare workers on July 5.
In recognition of the significance of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, qualified candidates in STEM disciplines will be targeted in a category-based draw on July 5.
What led to the selection of transport occupations as a category in the Express Entry draw?
It was reported by Employment and Social Development Canada that the number of occupations in need of workers doubled between 2019 and 2021.
A report by Statistics Canada reveals the number of open positions as at Q4 2022. Wholesale and retail trading are both included in the trades category of Statistics Canada data. 108,795 job openings were available in the retail trades, compared with 30,930 in wholesale.
For the purpose of improving Express Entry through category-based selection, IRCC conducted a public consultation. During the engagement phase, a variety of stakeholders and the general public were surveyed for their opinions and suggestions.
Participating stakeholders were generally in favor of utilizing category-based selection to address labor market shortages in particular industries or occupations, and the majority offered concrete proposals.
Moreover, a high percentage of respondents who work in this industry agree that trades, transportation, and equipment operations have the highest demands out of the categories stated.
What criteria must be met to qualify for the transport occupations category?
You must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- Qualify for one of the Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program).
- Possess at least 6 months of continuous work experience in one of the specified occupations within the last 3 years.
- Fulfill all other requirements mentioned in the instructions for the round.
Which occupations fall under the category of transportation?
Transport occupations include 10 occupations. The following are among them:
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Transport truck drivers
- Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
- Engineer officers, water transport
- Deck officers, water transport
- Air traffic controllers and related occupations
- Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- Railway carmen/women
- Managers in transportation
What is the selection process for Express Entry category-based rounds of invitation?
Prospective permanent residents will be invited to apply for permanent residence if they qualify for a certain category in IRCC’s categories draw. The standard includes the following:
- Possess work experience in a specific TEER category of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Demonstrate language ability in either English or French.
- Meet the education requirements specified for the category.
How are CRS scores taken into account?
Along with general and program-specific Express Entry draws, there will also be draws according to categories. Draws for Express Entry invite top candidates who can contribute to Canadian economic and employment goals.
Applicants in the Express Entry pool are ranked using the CRS, a points-based system. The work experience, education, and language proficiency of candidates are all taken into account when ranking candidates.
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 invites from IRCC.
