Canada’s first-ever Express Entry invitations for newcomers

Last updated on 9 August 2023

Canada’s Express Entry system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields. By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in the trades, Canada aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.

On May 31, the Honourable Sean Fraser, the previous Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection. These changes help address labour shortages that support an identified economic goal by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the first trades round for category-based selection will open this week. This focus on candidates with trades expertise—including carpentry, plumbing, and welding—will help Canada’s construction sector attract the skilled talent it needs across the country.

Category-based selection signals Canada’s commitment to attract top global talent and help meet the need for tradespeople to support the economy. These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general invitation rounds, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“It’s absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs. This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
On May 31, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the launch of category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.
The categories were determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders and the public, as well as a review of labour market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on our website.
Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec establishes its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the federal high skilled programs—including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program—accounted for 34% to 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.