Canada has earned a reputation for its open-hearted acceptance of immigrants and its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a result, it has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals and families looking to improve their living standards and seize new possibilities.
In June 2022, the Canadian Government substantially amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The changes are directed toward selecting and targeting immigrants based on specific attributes that are in line with the country's economic priorities. Furthermore, the Government announced targeted Express Entry draws, centring around distinct categories.
What exactly are targeted Express Entry draw categories?
The current categories include:
French Language Proficiency
Occupations in the STEM sector
Occupations in the healthcare sector
Occupations in the transport sector
Occupations in the trades sector
Occupations in agriculture and agri-food
French Language Proficiency
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has strategically targeted candidates with strong French proficiency and work experience in certain sectors. This strategy is intended to meet the specific needs of the Canadian labour market and maintain the country's competitive edge on a global scale. Since the introduction of targeted Express Entry draws in June 2023, the IRCC has significantly emphasized attracting French-speaking immigrants.
With ten draws specifically catered towards francophone candidates, the IRCC has targeted a considerable number of 21,100 French-speaking candidates. This initiative clearly reflects Canada's commitment to maintaining its bilingual identity. By targeting French-speaking candidates, Canada not only enriches its cultural fabric but also meets economic and labour market needs.
Occupations in the STEM sector
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations, seen as the future's job sectors, stand at the forefront of innovation and technological evolution, creating thrilling opportunities for talented individuals. These sectors have been the second most targeted area, with a substantial number of being invited. Since the last year, about 10,900 candidates within this sector have been invited, mirroring the significant demand for STEM professionals in the country and Canada's dedication to fostering innovation and technological advancements.
STEM professionals are acknowledged for their key role in fostering knowledge, driving economic growth, and improving the quality of life in Canada. Given this, Canada is expected to invite an increasing number of STEM candidates, underlining its dedication to this vital sector.
Eligible national occupational classifications (NOCs) for STEM professionals:
20010 Engineering managers
20011 Architecture and science managers
20012 Computer and information systems managers
21200 Architects
21201 Landscape Architects
21202 Urban and land use planners
21203 Land surveyors
21210 Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
21211 Data scientists
21220 Cybersecurity specialists
21221 Business systems specialists
21222 Information systems specialists
21223 Database analysts and data administrators
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
21231 Software engineers and designers
21232 Software developers and programmers
21233 Web designers
21234 Web developers and programmers
21300 Civil Engineers
21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21321 Industrial and manufacturing engineers
21322 Metallurgical and materials engineers
41400 Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
Occupations in the healthcare sector
Given the aging Canadian population, the healthcare sector is undergoing constant expansion. This growth necessitates increased skilled workers to meet the public's needs. Understanding this demand, the IRCC is actively seeking candidates with relevant experience in the healthcare sector.
Canada has extended invitations to 9,100 healthcare professionals in just four Express Entry draws. This move underlines the country's strategy to bolster its healthcare workforce to keep up with the growing needs of its aging population. It also gives an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals worldwide to contribute to Canada's healthcare system.
Eligible NOCs for healthcare professionals:
31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101 Specialists in surgery
31102 General practitioners and family physicians
31103 Veterinarians
31110 Dentists
31111 Optometrists
31112 Audiologists and speech language pathologists
31121 Dieticians and nutritionists
31200 Psychologists
31201 Chiropractors
31202 Physiotherapists
31203 Occupational therapists
31204 Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31209 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31300 Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31302 Nurse practitioners
31303 Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
32101 Licensed practical nurses
32102 Paramedical occupations
32103 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
32120 Medical laboratory technologists
32121 Medical radiation technologists
32122 Medical sonographers
32200 Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32201 Massage therapists
32209 Other practitioners of natural healing
33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102 Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
41301 Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
41320 Education counsellors
42203 Instructors of persons with disabilities
Occupations in the transport sector
The transport sector is integral to Canada's economic structure, enabling the distribution of goods and individuals throughout the expansive nation. The sector is currently facing a significant labour gap, leading IRCC to actively seek applicants with experience in this field.
To date, a total of 2,645 candidates employed in transport roles have received invitations via the targeted Express Entry draws. This emphasizes the high demand for skilled workers in this sector, as well as the opportunities available for candidates with relevant experience.
Eligible NOCs for transport occupations:
70020 Managers in transportation
72403 Railway carmen/women
72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
72600 Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
72601 Air traffic controllers and related occupations
72602 Deck officers, water transport
72603 Engineer officers, water transport
72604 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
73300 Transport truck drivers
93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Occupations in the trades sector
Skilled tradespeople, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors, are perpetually in high demand in Canada. Their role in constructing and maintaining the Canadian infrastructure is absolutely essential.
In recognition of their crucial role, Canada extended invitations to 2,500 tradespeople through targeted Express Entry draws. This initiative underscores the high demand for their expertise and the significant value they bring to the Canadian economy and society.
Eligible NOCs for trades professionals:
72014 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
72106 Welders and related machine operators
72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
72300 Plumbers
72310 Carpenters
72400 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72402 Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
72405 Machine fitters
72406 Elevator constructors and mechanics
73200 Residential and commercial installers and servicers
Occupations in Agriculture and Agri-food
The agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of Canada's economy, driving significant growth and offering immense opportunities. Recognizing the sector's potential and crucial role in providing food and resources for both domestic and international markets, IRCC has prioritized candidates with experience in this field. The targeted Express Entry draws have thus far invited 1,150 candidates from this sector, demonstrating Canada's commitment to bolstering its agri-food industry and ensuring food security.
Eligible NOCs for agriculture and agri-food sector
63201 Butchers - retail and wholesale
82030 Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
82031 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
The targeted selection of immigrants through Express Entry is crucial to maintaining Canada's competitiveness globally and addressing its labour market demands. By focusing on applicants with relevant experience in sectors in high demand, Canada's immigration system can effectively respond to its economic objectives. This strategic approach aligns with Canada's ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, making it an attractive destination for skilled individuals worldwide seeking improved life opportunities and a fresh start.
Canada Platform will help you immigrate to Canada via Express Entry
If you are a skilled professional interested in immigrating to Canada, now is the perfect time to seize this opportunity. Our platform can guide you through the process, helping you to understand the requirements of the Express Entry draws and prepare your application effectively.
From understanding the eligibility criteria and points system to submitting your application and preparing for the possible targeted draw, our platform provides comprehensive guidance every step of the way. Our team of experts will be with you throughout this exciting journey, helping you navigate the complexities of the process so that you can start your new life in Canada. Contact us today to get started on your journey to becoming a resident of Canada.
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