Canada holds first category-based Express Entry draw; Most job openings for THESE professions

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced the introduction of new selection categories for Express Entry candidates. These categories are designed to invite individuals with specific occupations or work experience in high-demand fields. 

This week, the first-ever category-based draw was held for healthcare workers, and IRCC plans to extend invitations to more healthcare professionals in the upcoming week. Furthermore, they are preparing for the first round of category-based draws for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workers in the following week. 

The selection of these categories was based on labor market information, including projections, as well as feedback from stakeholders across the country. These new categories aim to support Canada's economic objectives and facilitate francophone immigration outside of Quebec.

The new categories are:

• Healthcare occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
• Trade occupations
• Transport occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations
• French-language proficiency

All these categories are considered in-demand and important to keeping Canada’s economy and labour force strong. However, two selection categories stand out for the number of eligible occupations, cited CIC News

Healthcare occupations lead in demand

Canada's aging population and low birthrate create challenges for healthcare and labor shortages. Nine million Canadians will turn 65 by 2030, increasing demand on an already strained healthcare system. To address this, prioritising immigration candidates with healthcare experience could help fill the 144,500 vacant positions in the healthcare and social assistance sector, accounting for 17.7% of all unfilled jobs as of March 2023 (Statistics Canada).

STEM occupations

Canada's demand for STEM occupations, especially in the Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) industry, is growing. ICT revenues reached $242 billion in 2021, as per report. Canada is a leading hub for AI, with 1,032 AI and machine learning companies. However, the retirement rate and rapid technological advancements are creating a skills gap in the labor force, causing some employers to hire less qualified candidates, which hampers business growth.