For many temporary residents in Canada, securing a job is a crucial step in not only establishing themselves economically but also in building eligibility for permanent residence. This is particularly true for individuals on a work, study, or visitor visa, as it can significantly impact their immigration journey and long-term settlement prospects.
Aligning Immigration with Labor Force Needs
To better align immigration with the labor force needs of the country, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced Express Entry category-based selection draws. These draws target candidates in the Express Entry pool who possess experience in professions that Canada critically needs workers for. The targeted occupations are distributed across five different fields:
Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Trade, Transport, and Agriculture and agri-food.
Exploring In-Demand Occupations
- Healthcare Occupations: Within the healthcare sector, targeted professions include Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Aides, Orderlies, Patient Service Associates, Nurse Practitioners, and various other roles critical to the healthcare system.
- STEM Occupations: The STEM category encompasses a diverse range of professions, such as Engineers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer Systems Developers and Programmers, and other specialized roles essential for technological advancement.
- Trades Occupations: Skilled trades needed for manufacturing, construction, and repairs are a focal point within the trades occupation category. This includes Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, and other vital roles within the skilled trades sector.
- Transport Occupations: Professions supporting the commercial transport of people and goods, such as Aircraft Assemblers, Transport Truck Drivers, and Air Traffic Controllers, are among the targeted occupations in the transport category.
- Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations: Occupations related to farming, landscaping, and the production of food and produce, including Agriculture Service Contractors, Farm Supervisors, and Butchers, are identified as in-demand roles within this category.
Eligibility for Category-Based Selection
To be eligible for these categories, candidates must have obtained at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, in Canada or abroad, and already have a profile in the Express Entry application pool. Once candidates have submitted a profile under one of the three Express Entry managed programs, they must wait for a relevant Express Entry draw that delivers an invitation to apply for permanent residence, based on their inclusion in one of the professional categories or their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Recent Changes and Occupation-Specific Draws
Canada’s Express Entry system has recently begun targeting 82 jobs in healthcare, technology, trades, transport, and agriculture, as well as French speakers, under occupation-specific draws. These draws are conducted frequently and give invitations to affected candidates with lower CRS scores compared to all program draws. This change is a significant development for the Express Entry selection system, which previously conducted draws based on immigration programs.
Federal Skilled Worker Program and Eligible Occupations
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, one of three federal immigration programs under Express Entry, covers 370 eligible occupations. Candidates in the pool are ranked under a Comprehensive Ranking System, and the highest-ranked candidates are considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Offer of Employment for Skilled Immigrants
Skilled immigrants can receive an offer of employment in Canada, which is a crucial factor in the Express Entry system. The offer of employment must meet specific criteria, including being recent, in writing, and not from an embassy, high commission, or consulate in Canada. It must also set out details of the job being offered, such as pay, duties, and conditions of employment.
Understanding Canada’s in-demand jobs and the Express Entry system is essential for newcomers seeking to establish themselves in the country. The targeted professions in various fields reflect the critical labor force needs in Canada and the government’s efforts to align immigration with these needs.
By being aware of the in-demand occupations and the eligibility criteria for Express Entry, candidates can better prepare for their immigration journey and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
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