Canada invites 1,800 Express Entry candidates in the category-based draw for trade occupations
- October 25, 2024
- Posted by: ideamaster
- Category: news
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has issued the latest round of Invitations to Apply under Express Entry. This was the third invitation round conducted by the IRCC department this week. Overall, this was the sixth Express Entry draw of October. The department issued 1,800 ITAs in a category-based selection draw for prospects in trade professions which targets candidates with specific skills that are in high demand in the nation. Candidates needed the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433 to be viewed.
In recent months IRCC has created a pattern of having multiple rounds of Express Entry draws every second week, usually including PNP and CEC-specific draws. On October 22 IRCC issued 400 CEC candidates with a minimum CRS score of 539. On October 21, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) issued 648 candidates with a minimum CRS of 791.
This highlights IRCC’s department’s ongoing dedication to increasing the number of domestic draws for Express Entry prospects already living and working in Canada as temporary residents. This strategy was executed to help the department meet its target for reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada, while also completing the targeted number of new permanent residents that Canada will accept each year as summarized in the Immigration Levels Plan.
The next Plan is expected to be released by November 1 this year with targets for 2025-2027. The 2024 is scheduled to welcome 110,770 permanent residents. So far, details have not been released if IRCC met that target. Those who receive an ITA in draws throughout the second half of the year are more likely to be admitted in 2025 due to IRCC’s service average of six months for processing Express Entry applications.
What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration schedule introduced in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence under three main federal economic immigration agendas:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Express Entry is designed to choose candidates with the skills, experience, and qualifications to donate to Canada’s economy. Eligible candidates are allotted a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on aspects such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Periodically, the IRCC conducts draws and invites prospects with the highest CRS scores to use for permanent residence.
How to Qualify for Express Entry as a Trade Worker
If you’re a skilled trade worker considering moving to Canada, here are some key steps to qualify for the Express Entry system:
- Check Eligibility
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP), you must meet the following basic criteria:
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Meet the language requirements in either English or French.
- Have a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.
- Create an Express Entry Profile
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to create your Express Entry profile. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your work experience, language skills, education, and other personal details. Your profile is then entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Improve Your CRS Score
The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence. Here are a few tips to improve your score:
- Improve your language skills: Achieving a higher score in your language tests can significantly boost your CRS ranking.
- Get a valid job offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled trade can increase your CRS points.
- Gain additional qualifications: Further certifications or qualifications in your trade can enhance your profile.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you have a competitive CRS score, you’ll be entered into regular Express Entry draws. If your score is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Conclusion
Canada’s focus on trade occupations in the latest Express Entry category-based draw highlights the important role these workers play in the country’s economy. By inviting 1,800 skilled tradespeople, Canada is managing labor shortages and assuring the continued growth of key sectors. For current and future Express Entry candidates, this draw acts as a reminder of the importance of aligning skills with Canada’s economic requirements.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration plans, skilled trade workers will certainly remain a central focus. Those with experience in trades should maintain an eye on upcoming draws and be prepared to take this opportunity to build a life and employment in Canada.