Category-based Express Entry for construction workers

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On August 3, 2023, the Government of Canada held its first Express Entry lottery, this time focusing on categories for skilled workers in construction trades such as plumbing, carpentry and welding. 

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Who is eligible for this specific drawing?

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Those candidates within this trade occupation group who have a minimum of six months of relevant work experience are eligible.

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Which occupations are included in this draw?

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The list of eligible occupations for this specific quick-entry draw by category for skilled construction workers consists of:

Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and welders, each classified under specific National Occupational Classification of Occupations (NOC) codes and Technical Economic Evaluation (TEER) categories.

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What are the objectives of this particular sweepstakes?

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Address the growing demand for specialized talent and fill essential roles that contribute to Canada's economic development. 

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Knowing the changes in the Express Entry system

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In recent months, the Express Entry system has seen significant changes. The new category-based selection was launched by former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on May 31. The legal basis for such category-specific draws can be traced back to Bill C-19, which received Royal Assent in June 2022. These alterations to the fast-track entry system are intended to combat Canada's labor shortage. The new approach allows IRCC to support the nation's economic objectives by inviting candidates with relevant work experience or French language proficiency to apply for permanent residence. 

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Throughout the year, these category-based draws will be held in conjunction with general invitation rounds, all with the goal of achieving the Canadian government's immigration goals. Learn about new immigration minister Marc Miller's immigration projection for 2025.

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What is the new minister, Marc Miller's, approach to fast-track entry?

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Canada's new immigration minister, Marc Miller, emphasized the importance of addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers within the country, noting that the solution lies in helping the construction sector recruit and retain the necessary workforce, and was enthusiastic about welcoming more skilled individuals into the construction industry.

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What is the advantage of a category-based draw?

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One advantage of being eligible for a category-focused draw is that a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score may be required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), this is because, in a fast-track draw, IRCC invites candidates with the highest scores in the specific category being sought; However, with a smaller pool of candidates in a given category, IRCC can make its selection from a wider range of candidates, leading to a lower CRS cut-off score.

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In short, Canada is launching its first category-based fast-track entry lottery to attract skilled trades workers, with the aim of alleviating labor shortages in several construction sectors. This approach is part of a broader strategy to meet the country's immigration objectives and foster economic growth.

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Some specifics of the raffle

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• Results: invitation rounds
• Ministerial instructions regarding invitations to apply for permanent residence under the fast track entry system #261- August 3, 2023.
• Commercial occupations: (2023-1)
• Number of invitations issued: 1500
• Rank required to be invited to apply: 1500 or more
• Date and time of the round: August 3, 2023 at 13:24:52 UTC
• CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited: 388
• Tie-breaker rule: June 7, 2023 at 07:03:08 UTC

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If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their fast-track entry profiles.

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Please note that, in order to know whether you enter this or any other draw of the fast-track entry system, you must know your National Occupational Classification (NOC) level and job category (TEER).

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Visit our article Express Entry System is the big door to Canada! to learn more about this topic.

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If you would like a free evaluation or to schedule a consultation with Immiland Canada, our team of IRCC-regulated consultants will be pleased to assist you.

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With love,

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Immiland

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