Canada launches new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents

June 5, 2023

The Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser made an announcement (available here) regarding the Express Entry immigration system and the launch of category-based selection for express entry.

According to the announcement, "Category-based selection will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability." The announcement specifically identifies the trades as one of the major categories being targeted by this program. Candidates will need at least 6 months of work experience in the last 3 years.

These are the eligible occupations within the "trades" category:

 

MCAC has reached out to IRCC for more information (specifically on the size of the intake this program is targeting), and are waiting for more details about timeline and the application process. In the interim, it is an excellent acknowledgment of the needs within the trades and the sector's role in the Canadian economy.

"On behalf of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, we were pleased to see Minister Fraser's announcement this week with respect to the Express Entry program," said Derek Ermen, MCAC President and Chair. "This is a positive step and recognizes the importance of skilled trades for Canada's economy. We look forward to working closely with the department as we supplement our domestic training capacity with the permanent skilled workers we need from abroad, enabling us to respond to the future construction demands of the country."

 

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