Express Entry eligibility is now applicable to bus and truck drivers, with the latest NOC 2021 update. On November 16, 2022, IRCC implemented the NOC 2016 to NOC 2021. This shift from the older version of the NOC to a newer version implied that at least 16 new eligible occupations became a part of the NOC 2021. Additionally, transport drivers, that is, bus and truck drivers, were added to this list of newly added occupations.
This is mere because of the severe labor shortages throughout Canada.
Express Entry eligibility- shortage of school bus drivers in Canada
Canada has mostly been accustomed to a lack of bus drivers in Canadian schools. The primary factors are reduced wages and too many retirement cases due to the pandemic. Hence, several communities across the country are facing critical challenges in getting appropriate transportation services for their school-going children.
For instance, the labor shortage in this specific industry even resulted in the cancellation of several significant events related to Canadian students. One such event was being organized by the Catholic School Board in London. This was the 8000 student-cross-country-meet.
Last year in October, per the Global News, there was a critical shortage of school bus drivers in Montreal. Consequently, they had to cancel the bus routes. Additionally, this year, another outcome took place in one Yellowknife Community in 2023’s first week.
Reportedly, nearly 2.2 million children in Canada commute to schools on a routine basis. Therefore, transportation is required for children, and it is challenging to deal with such transportation issues regularly. This is because a lack of drivers will drastically impact students’ daily lives.
Truck drivers’ shortage in Canada
The industry of truck drivers will play a crucial role in leading the Canadian national supply chain. In quarter two of 2021, the number of vacancies accounted for 18,000, while in quarter 2 of 2022, the number increased to 20,110. TruckingHR Canada stated that nearly 34,000 truck drivers would likely leave this industry annually. Furthermore, this truck driving industry, with a vacancy rate of 9.1 percent in 2022’s quarter 2, will negatively influence the Canadian economy if labor shortages keep increasing.
Express Entry eligibility and other changes to balance the transportation industry
To reduce the challenges of the transportation industry, IRCC added truck and bus drivers to the list of eligible occupations for Canadian immigration using Express Entry.
Moreover, the Canadian government continues to be hopeful that this measure and several other Express Entry changes will fill the labor gaps. This indicates that the government believes more foreign skilled workers will arrive in Canada.
Additionally, the much-awaited targeted Express Entry draws will soon begin in the second quarter of 2023. Besides this, the IRCC will hold Express Entry draws that will not emphasize the Comprehensive Ranking System. Contrarily, it will select candidates based on specific characteristics. These could range from work experience and educational qualifications to language abilities.
Once the department runs close to implementing the targeted draws, there will be more clarity on the new specifications and attributes.
Foreign truck and bus drivers- the other immigration routes
Besides Express Entry, foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada will have to access a variety of Canadian immigration alternatives. These could be the Provincial Nominee Programs, Atlantic Immigration Program, and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
PNPs remain prominent pathways for almost all Canadian provinces or territories. Nearly 11 areas out of all the 13 provinces comprise PNPs.
All these programs, combined with others in Canada, enable each region to choose skilled candidates who are well-equipped to meet the labor market requirements.
Overall, a potential immigrant might apply for a regionally functioning program (truck or bus driving) facing a huge labor gap. However, they will more likely migrate to that specific area and work there as a local truck or bus driver.
