VizTrack Immigration Services, a trusted name in the immigration industry, has been at the forefront of helping clients realize their international dreams for the past five years. With expertise in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Schengen immigration services, we bring you the latest developments in Canada’s Express Entry system, where we’ve witnessed a groundbreaking development in the immigration landscape.
IRCC Targets Transport Occupations
In a remarkable move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw this week, revolutionizing the way candidates are selected for permanent residence in the country. On September 20, IRCC invited 1,000 candidates with work experience in transport occupations to apply for permanent residence. What makes this draw truly unprecedented is that it’s the first-ever category-based selection draw for Express Entry candidates within the transport sector.
The urgent labor shortage in the transportation industry prompted this strategic move by the IRCC. As Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, aptly puts it, “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.”
Transportation professionals such as truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers, and seafarers play a pivotal role in Canada’s economy and the lives of its citizens. Filling vacancies in these professions not only bolsters economic growth but also strengthens supply chains, making them more resilient.
Express Entry: A Game-Changer in Canadian Immigration
For those new to the Express Entry system, it is an application management system for three of Canada’s most prominent economic immigration pathways: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses various human capital factors such as language ability, age, work experience, occupation, and education. Those with the highest CRS scores have the best chances of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
One key advantage within the Express Entry system is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination automatically gain an additional 600 CRS points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA.
A Look at Recent Express Entry Draws
The recent Express Entry draws demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to addressing labor shortages and attracting skilled individuals. On September 19, IRCC issued 3,200 invitations in an all-program draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 531. This follows a pause in draws since August 15, when 4,300 candidates received ITAs in an all-program draw. The reason for this hiatus remains undisclosed by IRCC.
Here’s a summary of Express Entry draw results since June 2023:
- September 20: Transport occupations – 1,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 435
- September 19: All-program – 3,200 ITAs, minimum CRS 531
- August 15: All-program – 4,300 ITAs, minimum CRS 496
- August 3: Trade occupations – 1,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 388
- August 2: French language proficiency – 800 ITAs, minimum CRS 435
- August 1: All-program – 2,000 ITAs, minimum CRS 517
- July 12: French language proficiency – 3,800 ITAs, minimum CRS 375
- July 11: All-program – 800 ITAs, minimum CRS 505
- July 7: French language proficiency – 2,300 ITAs, minimum CRS 439
- July 6: Healthcare occupations – 1,500 ITAs, minimum CRS 463
- July 5: STEM occupations – 500 ITAs, minimum CRS 486
- July 4: All-program – 700 ITAs, minimum CRS 511
- June 28: Healthcare occupations – 500 ITAs, minimum CRS 476
- June 27: All-program – 4,300 ITAs, minimum CRS 486
- June 8: All-program – 4,800 ITAs, minimum CRS 486
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is an application management system for three prominent economic immigration pathways in Canada: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Each program has specific eligibility criteria, but all use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank candidates. Factors like language ability, age, work experience, occupation, and education contribute to CRS scores. Those with the highest CRS scores have a better chance of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
It’s worth noting that Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 CRS points, greatly enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA. This is particularly advantageous since most Express Entry draws have CRS score requirements ranging from 350 to 550, depending on the program or category.
Category-Based Selection
In a bid to fill urgent job vacancies in various sectors of Canada’s workforce and strengthen the economy, IRCC introduced six new categories for category-based selection Express Entry draws. These categories include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food. Candidates eligible for ITAs through category-based selection must still be part of an Express Entry program and should aim to achieve the highest possible CRS score.
IRCC’s decision to introduce these categories came after extensive consultations with provincial governments, business associations, and other stakeholders. This innovative approach to immigration selection aims to address specific labor market needs across Canada.
Conclusion
IRCC’s recent Express Entry draws signify a proactive approach to labor shortages in key industries and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled professionals from around the world. These draws present unique opportunities for individuals looking to make Canada their home.
At VizTrack Immigration Services, we understand the intricacies of the Canadian immigration system. Our experience and dedication enable us to guide our clients seamlessly through the immigration process, ensuring they have the best chance at realizing their international dreams.
For more information and personalized assistance with your immigration journey, access our services now: Access Now: VizTrack Immigration Services.
FAQs
How does Express Entry work?
Express Entry is a system that manages applications for three Canadian immigration programs, ranking candidates based on factors like language skills, work experience, and education to invite them to apply for permanent residence.
What is the significance of category-based selection draws?
Category-based selection draws allow IRCC to target specific sectors with labor shortages, ensuring a more tailored approach to immigration.
How can a provincial nomination benefit Express Entry candidates?
Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination gain an additional 600 CRS points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an ITA.
What industries does IRCC target with category-based selection?
IRCC targets sectors like healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food through category-based selection draws.
Why should I choose VizTrack Immigration Services?
With over five years of experience, VizTrack Immigration Services has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their international dreams, offering expertise in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Schengen region.
