Canada Introduces Groundbreaking Express Entry Invitations for Tradespeople

Canada has taken a monumental step towards addressing labour shortages and meeting its economic goals by announcing the launch of the first-ever Express Entry invitations tailored specifically for newcomers with experience in the trades. This innovative move aims to streamline the immigration process and attract skilled individuals who possess expertise in critical fields, ultimately contributing to the nation's economic advancement.

The initiative, unveiled on May 31 2023 by the Honourable Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduces a category-based selection within the Express Entry system. This groundbreaking approach directly targets identified economic needs by inviting candidates with specific work experience or proficiency in the French language to apply for permanent residence.

Under the leadership of the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Miller, Canada is set to open the first trades-focused category-based selection round this week (August 1st week). This landmark decision underscores the importance of skilled trades workers, including those in carpentry, plumbing, and welding, as vital contributors to the growth and development of Canada's construction sector across the nation.

The adoption of category-based selection reaffirms Canada's commitment to attracting top-tier global talent and addressing the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople crucial to the country's economic prosperity. These specialized selection rounds will be conducted alongside the regular general invitation rounds throughout the year, with further details set to be revealed in the upcoming weeks.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Miller expressed the significance of this development, stating, "It's absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs. This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada."

Key Highlights:

• Express Entry serves as Canada's flagship application management system for those seeking permanent immigration through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and a part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
• In June 2022, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act underwent amendments to enable the selection of immigrants based on attributes crucial to economic priorities, such as specific work experience or proficiency in French.
• On May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced category-based selection as a novel pathway to grant permanent residency to skilled newcomers with work experience in priority occupations.
• The categories selected were the result of extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, the public, and a comprehensive review of labour market demands. A comprehensive list of eligible professions falling under the new categories is accessible on the official website.
• It's important to note that Quebec operates under its own immigration levels as established by the Canada-Québec Accord. The federal high-skilled programs, encompassing the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, accounted for a significant portion of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec from 2018 to 2022, ranging from 34% to 40%.

This welcome move by Canada underlines its dedication to fostering economic growth and attracting skilled trades workers who play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future.

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