Canada is known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants and commitment to diversity and inclusion. As such, it has become a popular destination for individuals and families seeking a better life and new opportunities. In June 2022, the Canadian Government amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to select immigrants based on attributes that support economic priorities and announced new, category-based selection criteria for Express Entry candidates.
Category-based selection: which categories will Express Entry target?
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will focus on candidates with strong French proficiency and work experience in specific sectors. This is an attempt to meet the Canadian labour market’s needs and ensure that the country remains competitive in the global market.
Selections rounds for Francophones will target candidates who have Niveaux de compétence 7 test scores in French in all 4 language skills.
The category-based selection will target Express Entry candidates working in the following sectors:
– Healthcare: With the aging Canadian population, healthcare is an ever-growing industry that requires more skilled workers to meet the demands of the public. IRCC recognizes the need for more healthcare professionals and actively seeks candidates with experience in this field.
– Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Professions: These sectors are considered the future of employment and are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.
– Trades: Skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors are always in high demand in Canada. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining Canadian infrastructure and are essential to the success of many businesses.
– Transport: The transportation industry is an integral part of the Canadian economy and is responsible for moving goods and people across the country. The labour shortages in the transportation sector make IRCC actively seek candidates with industry experience.
– Agriculture and Agri-food: The agriculture industry in Canada is one of the largest in the world, providing food and resources to both the country and the global market. Candidates with experience in agriculture and agri-food will be given more attention in the future Express Entry draws.
How does Canada choose immigration categories?
Canada chooses immigration categories based on various factors, including labour market information, projections, and input from partners such as provinces, territories, and stakeholders throughout the country. The selection of categories is reported to Parliament annually, which includes a detailed account of why and how each category was chosen, instructions for establishing a category, and the number of invitations issued for each category.
In addition to the annual report, information about category-based selection is also included in the Express Entry Year-End Report. The Government of Canada regularly monitors and assesses the categories to determine if any changes or adjustments need to be made. This ensures that Canada’s immigration system remains efficient, effective, and responsive to the country’s needs and goals.
Rounds of invitations under the Express Entry system
The new, category-based rounds of invitations are established by the immigration minister to meet specific economic goals. IRCC will then invite top-ranking candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill gaps in the labour market.
Rounds of invitations under the Express Entry system occur regularly throughout the year. There are different types of rounds, each with their unique characteristics:
General rounds of invitations invite top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs. These candidates are selected based on their score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Program-specific rounds of invitations are issued to top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), only candidates suitable for a Provincial Nominee Program are selected.
The category-based selection for Express Entry is an essential step in ensuring that Canada remains competitive in the global market and meets the needs of its labour market. By targeting candidates with experience in high-demand sectors, Canada can ensure that its immigration system is responsive to its economic goals. The new system is just one part of Canada’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, and it is sure to attract talented individuals from all over the world looking for a new start and a better life.
Immigration Canada PRO can help you benefit from the category-based selection
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada and want to take advantage of the new category-based selection for Express Entry, Immigration Canada PRO can help. Our experienced immigration consultants can guide you through the application process and help you identify which category you may qualify for. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in making your Canadian dream a reality.