Canada’s New Initiative for Skilled Workers in Priority Sectors
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Introduction to the New Immigration Process
Canada is addressing its labor shortages by leveraging immigration as a catalyst for economic growth. With numerous vacant positions nationwide, the government is enhancing its immigration system to support businesses and strengthen French communities. This initiative aims to secure Canada’s future prosperity, both economically and socially.
On May 31, 2023, in Ottawa, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced a groundbreaking approach to Canada’s economic immigration system, Express Entry. This new category-based selection will invite candidates with specific skills, training, or language proficiency to apply for permanent residency. Details on application procedures and timing will be revealed soon.
Focus Areas for Skilled Immigration
This year, the category-based selection will prioritize candidates with:
- Strong French language skills
- Experience in fields such as:
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions
- Trades like carpentry, plumbing, and contracting
- Transportation
- Agriculture and agri-food
This targeted approach will ensure that skilled professionals are welcomed into Canadian communities, addressing labor shortages while promoting Francophone immigration. It aligns the Express Entry system with Canada’s evolving economic needs, prioritizing skilled workers who can integrate and contribute to the nation’s future.
Benefits of the New System
The updated Express Entry system is more responsive to labor market changes, maintaining Canada’s high human capital standards. It focuses on attracting skilled workers with the potential to thrive and support Canada’s growth, ensuring the vitality of French-speaking communities.
Statements and Insights
“Everywhere I go, I’ve heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages. These changes to the Express Entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities. Put simply, Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social or economic needs.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Essential Information
- Express Entry manages applications from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.
- In June 2022, changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act enabled selecting immigrants based on key attributes, such as specific work experience or French proficiency.
- The Minister must engage in public consultations before establishing new categories, involving provinces, territories, industry members, employers, and more. An annual report to Parliament on chosen categories and selection rationale is mandatory.
- Categories are determined through consultations and labor market analysis. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available online.
- Category-based invitations are expected to be issued this summer.
- Immigration contributes nearly 100% to Canada’s labor force growth, addressing key sector shortages.
- Occupation shortages doubled between 2019 and 2021, according to Employment and Social Development Canada.
- Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec sets its immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for 34% to 40% of French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
For media inquiries:
Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
FAQs on Canada’s Immigration Process
What is the Express Entry system?
Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for those immigrating through federal programs, including skilled workers, skilled trades, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Who can benefit from the new category-based selection?
Candidates with strong French language skills or work experience in fields like healthcare, STEM, trades, transportation, and agriculture are prioritized.
When will the new invitations be issued?
The first category-based invitations are anticipated to be sent out this summer.
How does immigration support Canada’s economy?
Immigration significantly contributes to Canada’s labor force growth, addressing shortages in critical sectors, thus supporting economic development.
What role does Quebec play in immigration?
Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec determines its own immigration levels, influencing French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.
