Immigration authorities in Canada have announced that the first trade round under the Express Entry for category-based selection will open this week.
This round focuses on candidates with trade expertise—including carpentry, plumbing, and welding—and authorities believe that this will help Canada’s construction sector attract the skilled talent needed across the country.
Canada’s previous Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser had announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection to help address labor shortages that support an identified economic goal by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence in the country.
The category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, besides general invitation rounds, and imply that the country aims to attract top global talent and help meet the need for people related to trade to support the economy.
The category-based selection rounds, in addition to general invitation rounds, will continue throughout the year, implying that the government seeks to attract top global talent and help satisfy the need for trade-related people to boost the economy.
According to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, skilled trade workers are critical to the country.
“It is critical that we address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is to assist the construction industry in finding and retaining the workers it requires.” This round of category-based selection recognises the importance of skilled trades workers, and I look forward to welcoming more of them to Canada,” he said.
It is worth noting that Canada is a top destination for people from developing countries seeking to immigrate, and Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to relocate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Programme, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programme.
The Canadian government changed the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act last year to allow for the selection of immigrants based on important characteristics that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
Sean Fraser, the former Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced the beginning of category-based selection, a new approach for welcoming skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents. This is the first round for people with a trade background, and Canada intends to announce the next rounds soon.