New selection criteria for Express Entry applicants are announced by IRCC.

Sean Fraser, Canada's Minister of Immigration, has declared the beginning of category-based selection drawings for Express Entry applicants.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will pay special attention to Express Entry candidates who have employment experience in any of the following fields or who speak French fluently.

• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• transport
• agriculture and agri-food

According to the minister, enabling IRCC to send out more invitations to qualified individuals in these particular professions will help Canada meet its objective to attracting in-demand workers to all of its areas.\

Here you may find a complete list of the professions that fall under the new categories.

The new categories' first draws are anticipated to begin later this summer.

Why are new Express Entry categories being added?

The new categories are intended to fill openings across Canada. Immigration is viewed as a key factor in addressing the labour shortage and elevating the status of the French language in communities of French descent outside of Quebec.

Fraser says, "Employers all around the country are complaining loud and clear about the persistent worker shortages. These modifications to the Express Entry process will guarantee that they have access to the qualified workers they require to develop and succeed. In addition, by increasing the number of candidates who are fluent in French, we can aid businesses who are experiencing a labour shortage and secure the survival of French-speaking communities. Simply put, the Canadian immigration system has never been more attentive to the social or economic demands of the nation.

Following amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act announced in June 2022, category-based draws were planned to start this year. The modifications provide the minister the power to choose immigrants in support of Canada's economic interests based on important characteristics.

How were the categories determined?

The categories were chosen in accordance with legislative mandates that the Minister engage in public consultation with provinces and territories, industry representatives, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organisations, and immigration researchers and practitioners.