On May 31, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada unveiled modifications to the Express Entry system, introducing a category-based selection approach. These changes are designed to combat labor shortages and align with economic objectives by extending invitations to candidates possessing specific work experience or proficiency in the French language, allowing them to apply for permanent residency. Also, check Express Entry Recent Events and Draw Archive. Now Canada is eyeing for Transport Workers.
Today, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has announced the imminent commencement of the inaugural round of invitations for Transport Workers using the category-based selection method within the Express Entry system. This strategic focus on candidates with experience in transportation-related roles, such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers, aims to attract skilled professionals to address the sector’s workforce needs across the nation.
Canada’s revamped Express Entry system has been fine-tuned to create a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in pivotal fields. By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with a background in transportation occupations, Canada seeks to meet the surging demand for talent and to fill vital positions that drive the country’s economic growth and progress. Also see, your go-to Immigration Consultancy Platform “For immigrants, By immigrants”
Through the implementation of category-based selection, Canada reaffirms its dedication to attracting top-tier global talent and addressing the requirement for transportation workers to bolster the nation’s economy. These category-based selection rounds are slated to continue throughout the year, running concurrently with general and program-specific invitation rounds.
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Quotes by Ministers
On Transport Workers, the ministers can be quoted as saying:
“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. 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. I look forward to welcoming more skilled workers to our country, as their knowledge and expertise are invaluable, to meet our labour market needs.”
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The transportation sector is crucial to our economy, and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people that move travellers and transport our goods. With this new initiative, we are helping address a critical skills shortage while also attracting new, talented people to communities across Canada. Truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers and seafarers play a critical role in our economy and Canadians’ lives. Filling vacancies in these professions will boost economic growth and create stronger and more resilient supply chains.”
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport
Key Points on Transport Workers
Express Entry serves as Canada’s primary application management system for individuals aspiring to obtain permanent residency through various programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and a segment of the Provincial Nominee Program.
In June 2022, the Canadian Government introduced amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, enabling the selection of immigrants based on specific attributes that align with economic priorities, such as particular work experience or proficiency in the French language.
On May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, the former Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, unveiled the category-based selection system. This novel approach aims to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in high-priority occupations as permanent residents.
The selection of these categories was the result of extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the general public. Additionally, labor market needs were thoroughly reviewed.
Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec maintains authority over its immigration levels. Between 2018 and 2022, admissions through federal high-skilled programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, constituted 34% to 40% of total French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
