Canada held its first Express Entry draw for transport occupations on September 20. This draw was the first one under the Express Entry category-based draws. This draw for candidates in the transport occupations is the second draw this week after the previous draw conducted on September 19.
On September 20, candidates with work experience in transport occupations received 1,000 invitations to proceed with the Canadian PR application.
The lowest score under the Comprehensive Ranking System was 435. On September 19, IRCC also sent invitations to 32,00 candidates, and it was an all-program draw. The lowest CRS score was 531.
Canada held its first Express Entry draw for transport occupations
The reason why Canada held this Express Entry draw for transport occupation candidates is due to the existing labor shortage in this field.
Canadian Transport Minister stated that it is crucial to invest in transport occupation to create a smooth workflow in the traveling sector. This sector holds great significance in a country’s movement of people and goods. The new category-based selection draws will not only help combat the shortage of skills but also welcome new talent across Canadian communities.
Canada’s economy and life significantly rely on the hands of mechanical engineers, truck drivers, pilots, and seafarers. These job positions will enhance the Canadian economy on a larger scale and help develop larger supply chains.
The number of Express Entry draws during the summer of 2023 has been more compared to those in the previous years. This is also because of the launch of the six new categories and the Express Entry draws based on them. However, the recent two draws on September 19 and 20 were held after a long pause. The last draw before these draws occurred on August 15, in which 43,00 candidates received ITAs. It was an all-program draw. However, IRCC hasn’t justified the long break.
Express Entry draws in summer 2023 in a nutshell
Refer to the table below for the details on the Express Entry draw in this summer:
| Date | Program Type | ITAs Issued | Lowest CRS Score |
| June 8 | All-program | 4,800 | 486 |
| June 27 | All-program | 4,300 | 486 |
| June 28 | Healthcare occupations | 500 | 476 |
| July 4 | All-program | 700 | 511 |
| July 5 | STEM occupations | 500 | 486 |
| July 6 | Healthcare occupations | 1500 | 463 |
| July 7 | French language proficiency | 2,300 | 439 |
| July 11 | All-program | 800 | 505 |
| July 12 | French language proficiency | 3,800 | 375 |
| August 1 | All-program | 2,000 | 517 |
| August 2 | French language proficiency | 800 | 435 |
| August 3 | Trade occupations | 1,500 | 388 |
| August 15 | All-program | 4,300 | 496 |
| September 19 | All-Program | 3,200 | 531 |
| September 20 | Transport Occupations | 1,000 | 435 |
Express Entry – a summary
Express Entry primarily manages the immigration application system through three economic-class programs. These three programs have their separate eligibility requirements and are as follows:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
- FSTP
Despite having different eligibility requirements, the three programs function through the same score system. The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks candidates by providing them with their unique scores. Several human capital factors govern their CRS scores, such as education, work experience, age, and occupation. Now, those candidates who tend to receive higher scores have greater chances of receiving ITAs to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.
There are even higher chances of receiving an ITA if they also receive a provincial nomination. This simply means that Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination tend to get an extra 600 points. This proves more beneficial because a maximum number of candidates get a CRS score between 350 and 550. However, their score will largely depend upon their program or category.
Express Entry category-based selection
IRCC took the initiative to launch six new Express Entry categories on May 31 this year. These categories help in the selection of candidates who either have solid French skills or work experience in any one of the following sectors:
- STEM professions
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
- Trades
- Transport
The first category-based selection occurred on June 28 for those in the healthcare sector. After this draw, there have been other draws for candidates in STEM occupations and trades sector. Candidates with higher French language proficiency also witnessed the category-based draw.
Candidates must still be under an Express Entry program to become eligible for the Express Entry category draws. Moreover, they must benefit by obtaining a higher CRS score because candidates will continue to get scores and rank against one another.
According to IRCC, the new categories will enable Canada to fill jobs in-demand professions. As a result, the Canadian economy will get a much-needed boost.
These new categories took effect due to the discussions between several stakeholders, provincial governments, business associations, and IRCC partners.
