Following a month-long suspension, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that Express Entry draws will begin this week.
On August 15, the most recent Express Entry draw was held. It was an all-program draw with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 496 that attracted 4,300 candidates. Candidates are considered in an all-program draw if they are in the Express Entry application pool and meet the minimal CRS score.
The draw for transportation occupations has been planned for this week.
In a news release issued today, September 18, the department stated that it will send invitations to Express Entry candidates who match the qualifying criteria for the new category-based selection for transportation vocations later this week.
This category includes commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers, among others.
According to IRCC, filling these posts will assist Canada’s economy grow.
“As Canada’s economy grows, we are committed to improving transportation and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country,” Immigration Minister Marc Miller said. “Category-based selection allows us to invite newcomers with transportation experience to fill significant labor gaps and ensure the future success of the Canadian transportation sector.”
What is the definition of category-based selection?
The Canadian government revised the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on June 22, 2022, to allow for the selection of immigrants based on essential characteristics that assist the country’s economic interests.
On May 31, IRCC launched six new Express Entry categories for candidates. One is for candidates with strong French language skills. The following five are focused on in-demand job areas that are currently experiencing a skilled labor shortage:
· Healthcare
· Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
· Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
· Transport
· Agriculture and agri-food
There have been two draws for healthcare vocations, one for STEM occupations, three draws for French-speakers, and one for skilled crafts since the new categories were created. So far in 2023, there have been 10,900 candidates invited through category-based selection draws.
According to IRCC, category-based selection would assist Canada attract top global talent while also meeting the economy’s requirement for transportation personnel. According to a recent Globe and Mail study, transportation vocations are expected to account for one to two percent of Express Entry category-based selection draws.
