IRCC announces first 1,000 Express Entry invitations for carriers

This announcement was made on September 20, 2023 and is specifically targeted to those applicants in transportation occupations who aspire to permanent residency. Included in this group are commercial truck drivers, pilots and aircraft assembly workers. This will help attract the skilled talent needed across the country, marking the first Express Entry lottery designed for this sector. The lottery also introduced a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 435 for candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

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Truckers and other carriers are a valuable resource to the Canadian economy.

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This initiative to attract skilled labor in the transportation sector is due to the pressing shortage of workers in this important economic area of Canada and the government's interest and commitment to the country and openness to receive new immigrants. In this regard, the Canadian Minister of Transportation, Pablo Rodriguez, said: 

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"The transportation sector is crucial to our economy and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people who transport travelers and our goods." 

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He also emphasized the importance of this measure in helping to address a critical skills gap while attracting new talent to communities across the country. Thus, the influx of truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers and sailors will drive economic growth and create stronger, more resilient supply chains.

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Other quotes supporting the Canadian government's commitment to the transportation sector can be found on the official IRCC website by clicking here. 

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A break in the draws

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It is worth noting that over the summer, there were more Express Entry drawings than in previous years, primarily due to the introduction of category-based selection rounds. However, it is worth noting that there were no draws from August 15 until this recent announcement, and while there is no explanation from IRCC for this pause in draws, the new category-based approach appears to be an integral part of its strategy to manage immigration more efficiently.

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The Canadian government's decision to invite 1,000 candidates in transportation occupations for permanent residency demonstrates its commitment to the country, as well as to candidates who wish to live and work in Canada so that together we can build a more resilient and prosperous future.

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The Canadian government website emphasized changes to the Express Entry system through category-based selection, and this year's selection invitations will focus on candidates who have a strong command of the French language or work experience in the following fields:

• Health care
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• Transportation
• Agriculture and agri-food

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On this official page, you can find detailed information about the new process for welcoming qualified newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents .  

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Important facts about the Express Entry system 

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Express Entry is Canada's flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate to Canada permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

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In June 2022, the Canadian government made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.

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On May 31, 2023, the launch of category-based selection, a new process to welcome qualified newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents, was announced.

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Under the Canada-Quebec Agreement, Quebec sets its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under federal skilled worker programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program, accounted for 34% to 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec. 

If you would like to consult about your immigration status, you can request a free evaluation or schedule a consultation with an Immiland CICC certified consultant.

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With love,

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Immiland

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