IRCC has given the confirmation on resuming Express Entry draws this week following a month-long pause. 

The last Express Entry draw took place over a month ago, on August 15. It was an all-program draw, wherein over 4,300 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 496 were invited. In an all-program draw, applicants are considered if they are in the Express Entry application & meet the minimum CRS score. 

Resuming Express Entry Draws For Transport Occupations

Upon the declaration of resuming Express Entry Draws, the department confirmed that it will issue invitations to Express Entry applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for new category-based selection for transport professions. 

Commercial truck drivers, pilots, aircraft assembly workers, etc., are all included in this category. 

In addition, IRCC asserts that filling these positions will help in advancing Canada’s economy. 

As the economy grows, the nation will be improving its transport & infrastructure to ensure the safe & efficient movement of goods as well as passengers across the country. Moreover, the category-based draws will help the nation attract newcomers with relevant experience in transport professions to fill significant labor gaps & ensure the future success of the Canadian transport sector. 

What Is Category-Based Selection? 

On June 22, 2022, the Canadian government updated the IRPA. Well, this allows for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support the country’s economic priorities. 

On May 31, IRCC introduced six new categories for Express Entry applicants. One is for applicants with strong abilities in the French language. The remaining five categories focused on in-demand employment sectors which are presently experiencing a shortage of skilled labor, i.e., 

  • Healthcare
  • STEM Professions
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Agriculture/ Agri-Food 

Since the new categories were introduced, there have been two draws for healthcare professions, i.e., one for STEM professions, three draws for French speakers, & one for skilled trades. 

Through these draws, there have been over 10,900 applicants invited via category-based selection draws so far this year. 

IRCC asserts that category-based selection will help the nation attract top global talent & meet the need for transport workers to support the economy. According to a recent report by Globe & Mail, it is estimated that transport occupations will make up to 2% each for Express Entry category-based selection draws.