Canada’s Express Entry program is opening its doors to welcome newcomers who have specific skills and work experience that the government currently needs. If you have these skills, you might get an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
On September 18, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced some exciting news. They are starting a new round of invitations in the Express Entry program this week but with a twist.
For the very first time, they are specifically looking for newcomers who have experience in transportation. This includes folks like commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers. The goal is to bring in skilled individuals who can help the transportation industry, which is in demand all across Canada.
A draw is expected for transportation profiles coming up this week
On September 18, the department announced that they’ll be sending out invitations to Express Entry candidates who meet the requirements for the new category-based selection in transport occupations.
This includes jobs like commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers. Canada believes that bringing in skilled individuals for these positions will give a boost to the country’s economy.
The aim of prioritizing candidates with experience in the transportation sector such as commercial truck drivers, pilots, and aircraft assembly workers is to assist the industry in attracting skilled professionals that are in demand all over Canada, as per IRCC’s statement.
To be eligible for the transport occupations category, you must:
- have accumulated at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) within the past three years
- in a single occupation that’s part of the transport category
- in Canada or abroad
- meet all of the requirements set out in the instructions for that round
The occupations that are included in this transportation Express Entry round are:
- aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- transport truck drivers
- railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
- engineer officers, water transport
- deck officers, water transport
- air traffic controllers and related occupations
- air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
- aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- railway carmen/carwomen
- managers in transportation
“As Canada grows its economy, we’re committed to improving transport and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country,” Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller said in a media release.
What are Category-based Express Entry Draws?
Canada officially launched category-based Express Entry draws at the end of May, 2023. The goal of inviting Express Entry candidates from targeted occupations and who speak French is to address labour shortages in Canada and support economic goals set out by IRCC.
Back in August, Canada introduced a new Express Entry program that focuses on specific job categories. In the first round, they invited people with skills and work experience in trades like carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, contractors, supervisors, and others who work in construction and mechanical jobs.
So far, Canada has held draws for French-speakers, occupations in healthcare, STEM, and trades. Following the transport draw this week, the only category left will be agriculture workers.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry draw for transportation workers?
To be eligible for the Express Entry draw aimed at transportation workers, you need to follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: First, see if you qualify for one of these Canadian immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). You can find more details about eligibility on their respective websites.
- Apply and Get a CRS Score: If you are eligible for any of these programs, apply and provide the necessary documents. The government will then calculate your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score based on your application.
- Wait for an Invitation: If you meet the requirements and your CRS score is competitive enough, you may receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
In simpler terms, check if you qualify for one of these immigration programs, apply and if you’re a good fit, you might get an invitation to become a permanent resident of Canada.
If you want to immigrate to Canada as an experienced driver or transportation professional, you may contact IJS Immigration for professional guidance.
