Workers with agriculture experience will receive priority as part of a new category-based selection process for Canada’s flagship economic immigration system.
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Wednesday announced the launch of category-based selection and priority categories for the Express Entry system in 2023.
As part of the program, invitations can be sent to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language ability in the following areas:
- a strong French language proficiency, or work experience in the following fields:
- healthcare,
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions,
- trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors,
- transport,
- agriculture and agri-food.
“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,” said Fraser. “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 first category-based invitations to apply for permanent residency are expected to be sent this summer.
The criteria under the agriculture area includes having at least six months of work experience in the last three years. Specific occupations that are eligible include agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, horticulture workers, and butchers.
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