Canada’s Inaugural Express Entry Draw for Transport Occupations

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second draw of the week. This was Express Entry Draw for Transport workers.

On September 20, IRCC extended invitations to 1,000 candidates under Express Entry Draw for Transport occupations to apply for permanent residence. Applicants needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435 to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). On September 19, IRCC also issued invitations to 3,200 candidates in an all-program draw, with a minimum CRS score requirement of 531. Also, check Express Entry Recent Events and Draw Archive. 

Today’s draw marked a historic milestone as the very first category-based selection draw for Express Entry Draw for Transport Workers. The decision by IRCC to focus on transport occupations stems from a pressing labor shortage within this sector. 

This summer witnessed a higher frequency of Express Entry draws compared to previous years, attributed to the introduction of category-based selection rounds for invitations. However, until this week, no draws had occurred since August 15, when an all-program draw granted ITAs to 4,300 candidates. IRCC has yet to offer an official explanation for the pause in draw activities. Also see, your go-to Immigration Consultancy Platform “For immigrants, By immigrants”.

Table of Contents

• Key Points from Express Entry Draw
• Details from the Transport Occupations Express Entry Draw
• List of Transport Occupations invited
• Quotes
• Category-Based Selection

Key Points from Express Entry Draw for Transport Workers

• The 264th Express Entry draw took place on September 20, 2023.
• A total of 1,000 candidates have received invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency in the latest draw under the Transport Occupations category.
• Applicants with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435 were eligible for invitations in this draw.
• This draw marks the inaugural Transport Occupations Express Entry draw.
• In 2023, as of now, IRCC has conducted 28 Express Entry draws, resulting in a remarkable issuance of 81,948 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

Details from the Express Entry Draw for Transport Workers

• The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw specifically for Transport Occupations.
• A total of 1,000 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
• The draw, which took place on September 20, 2023, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435 to be eligible for an invitation. 

List of Transport Occupations invited in this draw

Quotes

“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 travelers 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.”

-Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez

Category-Based Selection: A Game-Changer in Canadian Immigration

On May 31, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative by introducing six new categories for potential eligibility in category-based selection Express Entry draws. These categories encompass candidates with distinct qualifications:

1. Strong French-speaking ability within the Express Entry system.

2. Work experience in the following sectors:

• Healthcare
• STEM professions
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food

On June 28, IRCC initiated the first-ever category-based selection invitations, targeting candidates with experience in healthcare professions. Subsequently, draws were conducted for candidates within STEM professions, trades, and those demonstrating proficiency in French.

It’s important to note that candidates seeking an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through category-based selection must still be part of an Express Entry program. Maximizing their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score remains advantageous, as IRCC continues to rank candidates relative to each other. You might have to check Immigration Consultancy Services before moving to Canada.

IRCC has emphasized that these new categories play a pivotal role in addressing Canada’s pressing labor market needs by targeting in-demand sectors. Furthermore, these categories were meticulously chosen following extensive consultations with provincial governments, business associations, and various partners and stakeholders, underlining the commitment to strengthen Canada’s workforce and economy.

In conclusion, the introduction of category-based selection draws within the Express Entry system marks a significant step in addressing critical labor shortages, such as those seen in the transport occupation sector. 
The recent pause in draw activities, prior to the current week’s draw, had left many candidates wondering about the reasons behind the hiatus. As we move forward, it will be essential to keep an eye on how these changes in selection criteria and draw frequency impact immigration patterns and address labor market needs. With the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian immigration, candidates and stakeholders must stay informed and adaptable to navigate the system effectively and achieve their immigration goals.