Canada Express Entry Draws Targeting 82 Occupations in Job Category

On May 31, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the country would begin the new occupation-based Express Entry draws targeting 82 occupations in 5 major job categories. The new Express Entry draws will also focus on candidates with strong French language fluency to fulfill Canada’s labour market needs among the French-speaking communities.

The primary aim of implementing the new occupation-based Express Entry system is to make the existing Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and some of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) more receptive to the vast labour market requirements. The new flagship immigration system will consistently improve the country’s economy and social conditions.

Mr. Sean Fraser, the Honourable Minister for IRCC, stated that bringing more eligible candidates for the targeted list of occupations will significantly support the country’s commitment and policy of welcoming foreign nationals. Candidates in Canada or abroad with at least six months of continuous work experience in the listed occupations over the last three years are eligible for the occupation-based Express Entry draws.

Changes Brought To The Immigration, Refugee, and Protection Act

In June last year, Canada decided to start the new occupation-based draws nationwide. Most Canadian provinces have been issuing occupations-based invitations for many years. Due to the new changes made to the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Act, the Honourable Minister for IRCC will be consulting with several Canadian territories & provinces, worker advocacy groups, members of industry, immigration researchers & practitioners, and settlement provider organizations before announcing the new categories for the occupation-based draws. From now on, IRCC will report to the parliament annually regarding the chosen occupations and the reasons for choosing them. The Canadian government department, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is responsible for managing and delivering social services and programs in the country. According to ESDC, the number of occupations that dealt with workforce shortages increased drastically between 2019 and 2021. Fortunately, Canada will now bring in more people with occupation-specific Express Entry draws.

The 5 Main Occupation-Based Job Categories

• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
• Carpenter, plumber and contractor trades
• Transport
• Agriculture & agri-food

The List Of Occupations Under The Five Main Job Categories

1. Healthcare

2. STEM

3. Trades

4. Transport

5. Agriculture and Agri-Food

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