OTTAWA, Canada – With employers eagerly seeking to fill countless vacant positions across the country, immigration emerges as a vital piece to solving this puzzle.
Recognizing this reality, the government of Canada is building an immigration system that acts as a catalyst for growth, empowering businesses, helping address their labour needs and strengthening French communities. When combined, these efforts will ensure Canadians benefit from economic and social prosperity for years to come.
Sean Fraser, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, on Wednesday, announced the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry.
Category-based selection will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability. Further details on the timing of invitations for individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have:
- A strong French language proficiency or
- Work experience in the following fields:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
By allowing us to invite more skilled workers in these professions, category-based selection supports Canada’s commitment to welcoming in-demand professionals into communities across the country.
Additionally, by placing a special focus on Francophone immigration, the government of Canada is ensuring that French communities can continue to live their life in Canada in the official language of their choice.
Category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labour market needs, while building on the high human capital approach that has been a hallmark of Canada’s successful economic immigration system. These priorities maintain the focus on bringing in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and contribute to Canada’s future.
“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages. These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities. Put simply, Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social or economic need,” said minister Fraser.
