On May 31, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of category-based selection for Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry.
“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages," said Minister Fraser, "these changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed."
Express Entry will effect those seeking permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of those applying through the Provincial Nominee Program. Some applicants, based on a points system, will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency based on categories that will change each year. 2023's categories, announced by Minister Fraser, are:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Some occupations in the boat building industry may qualify for the Trade Occupation category.
Eligibility for the trade occupations category
According to the government of Canada website, to be eligible, you must
have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in a single occupation listed in the table below
meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round
Further details on the timing of invitations for individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information on Trade categories and how it applies to boat building see our article on the topic.
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