Canada has introduced category-based selection invitations for newcomers applying for Permanent Residence through Express Entry focussing on newcomers with work experience in transport.
Why?
On May 31, IRCC announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection. The aim of these changes was to address the growing labor shortages as well as to support Canada's economic goals by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence.
For this round, the IRCC hopes that by prioritizing skilled newcomers with work experience in transport occupations, Canada will meet the demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement. The focus will be placed on candidates with experience in the transport sector—including commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, you must:
Meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for 1 of the 3 immigration programs it covers and
Meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round
Thereafter, IRCC will rank candidates in the pool who meet the category requirements and invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Applicable Transportation NOC Codes
In addition to the above, successful candidates must have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a single occupation listed in the table below in Canada or abroad.
Categories chosen for 2023
These six sectors below have been selected for the pilot program and candidates can evaluate their eligibility for each program here
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Previously Considered Categories
Healthcare Workers - In the first category-based draw, IRCC invited 500 healthcare works to apply and required a minimum comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score of 476. A second round was also held for 1,500 healthcare workers to apply and took place on July 5.
STEM - The second round of category-based applications was for candidates who are eligible for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. 500 candidates were invited with a required minimum CRS score of 486.
French Proficiency - 800 ITAs to those who are eligible for the category, with a minimum CRS score of 435.
Trades - 1,500 candidates in trades were invited to apply on August 3rd, with the minimum required CRS Score of 388.
IRCC intends to continue category-based selection rounds throughout the year, alongside general and program-specific invitation rounds. Agriculture and agri-foods occupations is the only category that has not been drawn so far and we suspect this class will be invited to apply next.
Looking for more information on how to apply for Permanent Residence through Express Entry? click here Or book a consultation with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who can assess your eligibility and help set you on the right path!