May 31, 2023
New Targeted Express Entry Categories Welcomed Program Initiative and Consistent with Bellissimo Immigration Law Group’s Recommendation
Today, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new selection categories for Express Entry candidates, which will allow Canada to invite prospective permanent residents with specific skills and work experience in priority jobs, or language abilities [1]. This year, candidates proficient in French or with work experience in fields such as healthcare, STEM professions – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors, transportation, and agriculture/agri-food are encouraged to apply.
IRCC has announced that the first invitations under the new selection categories are expected to be issued this summer. These changes aim to attract skilled workers who can integrate into Canadian society and contribute to its future development, making Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s economic needs while supporting the vitality of its communities.
These measures are welcomed. Bellissimo Immigration Law Group PC, amongst other stakeholders, called for these changes. We made submissions before the Parliamentary Committee in 2022 on this very issue. Specifically, we advocated that an introduction of more nuanced streams that better target the wide variety of immigration purposes will increase efficiency and control intake within program areas. Targeted streams would not only clarify (not complicate) requirements for potential applicants, but also increase economic benefit and diversity.
Varied streams could be more responsive to the diverse reasons permanent and temporary migrants seek entry to Canada. It would also allow the flexibility to assign targets, prioritize certain streams over others, and pause as required. Beyond this consistency and clarity in messaging across all streams (new and old) would also significantly reduce intake and backlog, as applicants would be better able to determine the stream that best suits their goals. It is certainly an applicant-centric approach that will lead to real change.
We look forward to the details of the program being released in the next few weeks. To learn more about permanent residency options please click here.
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