This past May 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada made an announcement related to the Express Entry system in Canada. These changes show an important step in advancing Canada’s economic objectives. Express Entry will utilize a category-based selection to invite candidates with some specific work experience or French language speakers to apply for permanent residency.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, presents today the inaugural round of invitations for all workers with expertise in the transportation sector. This development wants to meet the demand for skilled professionals in the transport industry, encompassing roles such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers. These workers will play an essential role in fulfilling the sector’s talent needs across the nation.
Canada’s Express Entry system has been improved to well organize the road for individuals with critical skills. By prioritizing the invitation of highly skilled newcomers with a background in transport occupations, Canada aims to address the surging demand for talent and to fill pivotal positions that contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and progress. These selection rounds will continue throughout the year in conjunction with general and program-specific invitation rounds.
Highlight Quotes:
“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
Interesting facts:
- Express Entry represents Canada’s premier application management system for individuals seeking permanent immigration through various programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.
- In June 2022, Canada’s government adjusted the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enable the selection of immigrants based on specific skills that align with economic priorities, such as specific work experience or proficiency in the French language.
- This past May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, presented category-based selection as an approach to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority occupations as permanent residents.
- The selection of these categories resulted from extensive research with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the public, and an assessment of labour market requirements. A full list of eligible occupations for these new categories can be found on our official website.
- Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec establishes its immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under federal high-skilled programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, accounted for 34% to 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
