Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, announced the beginning of category-based selection drawings for Express Entry applicants. The Minister is of the opinion that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may help support Canada’s commitment to welcoming in-demand professionals into communities all around the nation by inviting more talented people in particular fields.
Categories selected for selection draws in 2023
Express Entry draws will now prioritize applicants with a solid command of French or job experience in the following industries:
- Healthcare.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions.
- Trades, such as Carpenters, Plumbers, and Contractors.
- Transport.
- Agriculture and Agri-food.
By the end of the summer, selection draws for Express Entry under these additional categories are anticipated.
Why are new Express Entry categories being added?
New categories will be added in an effort to fill the positions noted on the Canada Occupation In-Demand List. The labor shortage and the expansion of the French language in French minority areas outside of Quebec are both seen as dependent on immigration.
“Employers around the nation who are dealing with persistent workforce shortages have let their voices be heard loud and clear everywhere I go. They will have the qualified people they need to develop and flourish thanks to these modifications to the Express Entry system. In addition, by increasing the number of candidates who are fluent in French, we can aid businesses that are experiencing a labor shortage and secure the survival of French-speaking communities. Simply put, Canada’s immigration system has never responded better to the social or economic requirements of the nation”, according to Fraser.
Following the revisions to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2022, category-based drawings are anticipated to begin this year. With these modifications, the minister will be able to choose immigrants who possess key qualities that complement Canada’s economic interests.
How does IRCC decide which categories to report on?
Choosing categories is done by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based on:
- Information and forecasts on the labor market.
- Input gathered from partners around the nation, including the provinces and territories and stakeholders.
- The categories were decided upon the year before.
- Why they chose them, and how.
- The guidelines for creating a category.
- How many invitations were sent out for each category?
- The Express Entry Year-End Report contains details about category-based selection as well.
- Continually monitor and evaluate the various categories.
