The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have taken a proactive step to address the pressing shortage of skilled trades workers in the country. On August 3, 2023, the IRCC conducted a Trade Occupations Targeted Express Entry draw, inviting 1,500 candidates to apply for permanent residency in ten specific trades. This strategic move aims to attract talented individuals from around the world to contribute their expertise to Canada’s growing economy.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score Requirements
The Trade Occupations Targeted draw set a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388 for the invited candidates. The CRS score is a crucial factor in the Express Entry system, which evaluates applicants based on various criteria such as work experience, education, age, language proficiency, and adaptability. Higher CRS scores increase a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set on June 7, 2023. Candidates with CRS scores equal to or above 388, who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date, were prioritized for the invitation.
Addressing Skilled Trades Worker Shortage
With the shortage of skilled trades workers becoming a pressing issue in the Canadian labor market, the Immigration Minister emphasized the urgency to attract individuals with expertise in various trades. Skilled trades professionals play a critical role in supporting Canada’s infrastructure and economic development. By targeting specific trades in the Express Entry draw, IRCC is actively seeking to fill the labor gaps and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Category-based Selection Rounds Throughout the Year
Recognizing the dynamic nature of the labor market, the IRCC announced plans to conduct more category-based selection rounds throughout the year. This approach allows the Canadian government to focus on occupations or skill sets that are in high demand. The aim is to ensure that the immigration system remains aligned with the country’s workforce needs, fostering a prosperous and sustainable economy.
Occupations Targeted in the Trade Occupations Express Entry Draw
As part of the Trade Occupations Targeted Express Entry draw held on August 3, 2023, the IRCC focused on inviting candidates from ten specific trades. Each occupation is identified by its respective 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. The targeted trades are as follows:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers | 73200 |
| Elevator Constructors and Mechanics | 72406 |
| Machine Fitters | 72405 |
| Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | 72402 |
| Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics | 72400 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System) | 72200 |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers | 72014 |
In addition to the Trade Occupations Targeted draw, the IRCC also held a draw on August 2, 2023, exclusively for French speakers with a proficiency level of 7 or higher. This draw issued 800 invitations to apply for permanent residency, with a CRS cutoff score of 435. Bilingualism is highly valued in Canada, and this draw demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and integration.
‘No Program Specified’ Draw
On August 1, 2023, a ‘no program specified’ draw was conducted, inviting 2,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency. The CRS score for this draw was set at 517. The ‘no program specified’ draw is an inclusive approach taken by IRCC to accommodate candidates from various backgrounds and skill sets, giving them an equal opportunity to be selected for permanent residency.
2023 Express Entry Draw Statistics
In the year 2023, the Express Entry system has been highly active, issuing a total of 64,148 invitations in 22 draws. These numbers reflect the Canadian government’s commitment to attracting skilled and talented individuals from around the world, encouraging them to make significant contributions to the country’s economic and cultural prosperity.
Conclusion
The Trade Occupations Targeted Express Entry draw held by the IRCC on August 3, 2023, marks a pivotal step towards addressing the skilled trades worker shortage in Canada. By inviting candidates in specific trades and conducting category-based selection rounds, Canada aims to attract the best global talents and remain competitive in the global labor market.
Aspiring immigrants interested in applying for permanent residency through Express Entry are encouraged to optimize their CRS scores by enhancing their work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability. Staying informed about the latest draw trends and requirements is essential for candidates to make well-informed decisions about their immigration journey.
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