The categories that will be targeted in the category-based Express Entry draws, which are anticipated to start this summer, were revealed by Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on May 31.
In addition to the general draws and the program-specific draws, there will also be category-based draws. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invite the top-scoring applicants to submit a permanent residency application during general draws. Invitations are only extended to the candidates with the best program rankings in program-specific draws.
The IRCC will invite the top-scoring applicants who have a strong command of French or who have professional experience in any of the following fields to participate in the new category-based draws:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
How were these classifications made?
It would be helpful to understand how the employment market for your category is structured and where the most openings are if you are qualified for selection under one of these categories. This article will summarise and further deconstruct Statistics Canada data on job openings in Canada as of 2022 Q4 by province and territory.
The new categories were chosen to fill open positions across Canada since immigration is viewed as a key strategy for addressing the country’s workforce shortfall. Legislative requirements ensured that the Minister participated in consultations with the provinces and territories, injured parties, unions, employers, employees, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration scholars and practitioners before these categories were decided upon.
