IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced a new category-based process for the selection of Express Entry candidates.
The new category-based selection will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability.
The focus will be on candidates who have:
- strong French language proficiency or
- work experience in the following fields:
- healthcare
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- transport
- agriculture and agri-food
These categories were chosen based on the labour market information and projections and the input that IRCC received from provinces, territories and stakeholders across the country. Category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labour market needs, while building on the high human capital approach that has been a hallmark of Canada’s successful economic immigration system.
The list of eligible occupations is available here: Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the category-based selection, the candidates must have:
- accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in a single occupation that is listed above
More details on who will qualify and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks. The draws under these new categories are expected to commence later this summer.
It is important to note that candidates with a provincial or territorial nomination will continue to be invited through general and Provincial Nominee Program-specific rounds. These candidates have demonstrated they have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the province or territory’s economy.
How is the new category-based process for Express Entry going to impact you? Does your position fall under one of the categories? Contact us for an assessment now or book a consultation.
Source: Canada.ca
