Transport and Agriculture and Agri-food occupations are two of the key sectors prioritized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry category-based draws in 2023, reflecting the nation’s focus on diverse and essential fields.
In 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prioritized five occupational sectors for Express Entry category-based draws:
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
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Why Transport and Agriculture/Agri-Food Industries are in Focus
Transport Sector:
Canada faces a significant shortage of truck drivers, impacting the country’s economy. Shipment delays and rising prices of goods are direct consequences of this shortage.
Studies indicate that Canada needs to hire over 17,000 additional truck drivers yearly until 2025. Transport Canada predicts labor shortages in various transport sub-sectors, underlining the urgent need for new talent.
- Trucking (25,000 to 55,600 by 2023-2035)
- Aviation (42,000 to 55,000 by 2025-2035)
- Marine (1,000 to 19,000 by 2031-2035)
- Rail (4,000 by 2035)
Agriculture/Agri-Food Sector:
The agriculture and agri-food sectors contribute over $122 billion annually, constituting 6.3% of Canada’s GDP. However, projections suggest a shortage of 123,000 jobs in this sector by 2029.
Provinces like Nova Scotia could face a shortage of more than 2,500 farm workers by 2029. Aging farmers and the lack of succession plans contribute to the urgency of filling these roles.
Opportunities for Prospective Immigrants
Transport Occupations:
Canada’s trucking industry offers immigrants substantial career opportunities due to the high demand for skilled drivers. The sector’s growth potential is further reflected in competitive wages, with the average hourly wage for a long-haul truck driver being $27.80.
Express Entry Draws:
IRCC’s category-based draws specifically target immigrants with experience in transport occupations.
On September 20, 2023, the First Express Entry Draw for transport occupations sent out 1,000 invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent residency. The CRS Score for this draw is 435.
Stay Informed with +1 News about Latest Express Entry Draws
Transport Occupations for Express Entry Draws
Transport Occupations Eligible for Targeted Express Entry Draws
Here’s a list of the transport occupations eligible for the Express Entry draws:
| Occupations | 2021 NOC Code |
| Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors | 93200 |
| Transport truck drivers | 73300 |
| Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators | 72604 |
| Engineer officers, water transport | 72603 |
| Deck officers, water transport | 72602 |
| Air traffic controllers and related occupations | 72601 |
| Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors | 72600 |
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
| Railway carmen/women | 72403 |
| Managers in transportation | 70020 |
Agriculture/Agri-Food Occupations:
The agriculture and agri-food industries urgently need workers to address labor shortages. Reports suggest that Canada needs to bring in 30,000 farm-focused newcomers to bridge the gap.
Express Entry Advantages:
Prospective immigrants interested in agriculture/agri-food work find substantial employment opportunities through category-based Express Entry draws.
IRCC recognizes the value of foreign workers, with 75% of the labor gap being filled by migrants.
On September 28, 2023, the First Express Entry Draw for agriculture and agr-food occupations sent out 600 invitations to apply with a minimum CRS Score of 354 for Canadian Permanent residency.
Stay Informed with +1 News about Latest Express Entry Draws
Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations for Express Entry Draws
The agriculture and agri-food occupations eligible for Express Entry draws are:
| Occupations | NOC Code |
| Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services | 82031 |
| Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | 82030 |
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 |
Government Initiatives and Measures
Transport Sector:
Canada’s federal government, recognizing the transport industry’s importance, conducts category-based draws to attract immigrants with relevant experience.
These draws aim to address the acute shortage of truck drivers and other transport professionals.
IRCC’s recent draw for transport workers, issuing 1,000 ITAs, demonstrates the government’s commitment to swiftly filling these positions.
Agriculture/Agri-Food Sector:
IRCC’s Express Entry draws specifically target agriculture/agri-food workers to meet labor demands. The government’s approach aligns with the industry’s projections, ensuring that Canada’s agricultural sustainability remains intact.
IRCC’s recent draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations, issuing 600 ITAs, demonstrates the government’s commitment to swiftly filling these positions.
