IRCC – New Selection Categories Announced for Express Entry Candidates

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently made an announcement regarding the introduction of new selection categories for Express Entry candidates. According to the latest Canada Immigration News, the minister of Canada Immigration, Sean Fraser launched the category-based draws for candidates in the Express Entry system. Also, the draws for new categories are expected to begin later this summer.

As per Immigration Minister, the new development aims to provide greater opportunities and streamline the immigration process for skilled individuals seeking to become permanent residents of Canada. The following occupations are selected under new categories:

• Healthcare occupations
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trade occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and Agri-food occupations

Note: The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will prioritize Express Entry candidates who speak French or have work experience.

Why are New Express Entry Categories Being Added?

The new categories are intended to fill openings across Canada. On top of this, Immigration is viewed as a key factor in addressing the labor shortage and elevating the status of the French language in communities of French descent outside of Quebec. The categories were chosen in accordance with legal requirements that the Minister take part in open consultation with provinces and territories, business leaders, labor advocates, unions, employers, and organizations that provide services for settling immigrants.

The categories selected the previous year, their rationale for selection, the guidelines for establishing a category, and the number of invitations sent for each category are all things that the IRCC will report to Parliament annually. 

Express Entry – What is it?

Canada has always been a welcoming nation, known for its diverse culture, vibrant economy, and high standard of living. The Express Entry system was introduced in 2015 as a pathway for skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It is a highly competitive program that assesses candidates based on their skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. With the recent announcement from IRCC, the Express Entry system is set to undergo significant enhancements, providing additional opportunities for potential immigrants.