Canadian officials are taking action to fill in-demand jobs with a new immigration program launched. Immigration Minster Sean Fraser calls this a targeted draw to get skilled immigrants working in Canada. While the idea was introduced in June of 2022, it is ready to start! It is designed to fill those job openings in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Professional trades (Contractors, Plumbers, Carpenters, and many more)
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Transportation services

Individuals with experience in any of these areas are encouraged to submit an immigration application. Such applications are being rapidly reviewed to offer permanent residence to those that meet the growing labour needs within Canada. Individuals with proficiency in French will be at the top of the list for such an offer.

The main change will be how the draws are targeted. With this new system, individuals can be selected based on their language skills, employable skills, education, age, and other factors. The typical thresholds won’t be the deciding factor. This means individuals that didn’t score high enough before to be offered permanent residence in Canada should re-apply.

Employers throughout Canada are experiencing hardships due to the labour shortage. Changing the Express Entry system and procedures to get skilled workers in place is important. Fraser shared such sentiments in a recent news release. The goal of the program is to stimulate the economy in Canada and help businesses with their labour needs.

Focusing on French-speaking candidates that have skills in one of the five categories listed above will help these communities thrive! The social and economic needs around Canada are a driving force being their efforts to welcome immigrants ready to work into the area. The five categories were determined after talking to employers, evaluating labour needs, and consultations with the public.

Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the website for the immigration department. Fraser said they will share additional information in the next couple of weeks for those that are interested in applying under this new system.