The Canadian Government has developed an immigration system to encourage business expansion, fill positions short of labour and strengthening French communities. This year, the Express Entry System, will focus on selection of candidates who have specific skills to fill professional jobs in demand. Such as:

• a strong French language proficiency or
• work experience in the following fields:
  • healthcare
  • science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
  • trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
  • transport
  • agriculture and agri-food

IRCC QUICK FACTS

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.

Legislative requirements to use these new authorities include that the Minister engage in public consultations, prior to establishing a new category, with provinces and territories, members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations, and immigration researchers and practitioners. Each year, IRCC must also report to Parliament on the categories that were chosen during the previous year and the selection process, including the rationale for choosing them.

The categories have been determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders and the public, as well as a review of labour market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on our website.

The first category-based invitations to apply are expected to be sent this summer.

Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth, helping to addresses labour shortages in key sectors.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the number of occupations facing shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021.

Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec establishes its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for between 34% and 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.

Sources IRCC