Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that Express Entry draws will resume this week following a month-long pause.
The last Express Entry draw took place over a month ago on August 15. It was an all-program draw that invited 4,300 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS) of 496. In an all-program draw, candidates are considered if they are in the Express Entry application pool and meet the minimum CRS score.
Draw for transport occupations expected this week.
In a release sent today, September 18, the department confirmed that later this week it will issue invitations to Express Entry candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for the new category-based selection for transport occupations.
Commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers, among others, are all included within this category.
IRCC says that filling these positions will help Canada’s economy advance.
“As Canada grows its economy, we’re committed to improving transport and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country,” says Immigration Minister Marc Miller. “Category-based selection helps us invite newcomers with experience in transport occupations to fill significant labour gaps and ensure the future success of the Canadian transport sector.
What is category-based selection?
On June 22, 2022, Canada’s government updated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support they country’s economic priorities.
On May 31, IRCC introduced six new categories for Express Entry candidates. One is for candidates with strong abilities in the French language. The remaining five focus on in-demand employment sectors currently experience a shortage of skilled labour:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
Since the new categories were introduced, there have been two draws for healthcare occupations, one for STEM occupations, three draws for French-speakers and one for skilled trades. Through these draws, there have been 10,900 candidates invited through category –based selection draws so far in 2023.
IRCC says that category-based selection will help Canada attract top global talent and meet the need for transport workers to support the economy. According to a recent report by the Globe and Mail, it is estimated that transport occupations will make up one to two per cent each for Express Entry category-based selection draws.
