Canada conducts the first-ever category draw for health workers inviting 500 applicants

The first round of category-based selection happened on 28th June 2023 and accept applications from 500 healthcare professionals. Candidates needed a 476 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Since the announcement of the six new categories on 31st May, this is the first category-based selection draw.

The same week is anticipated to see a draw for qualified applicants in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What is STEM draw?

To satisfy the increased demand for skills and fill critical positions promoting economic growth and technological advancement, Canada’s Express Entry system has been modified to attract qualified individuals with experience in STEM sectors. The first phase of the category-based selection process for STEM candidates will start on July 5. Drawing on the qualified expertise that Canadian organizations require to spur innovation and realize their growth potential, will benefit Canada’s scientific and technology economy.

The declaration affirms Canada’s commitment to luring top international talent and strengthening its status as a pioneer in R&D and innovation. With the recent launch of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy, this news enhances the Government of Canada’s initiatives to retain and attract the best people to meet the problems facing the STEM workforce.

In addition to current immigration measures, a special round of invitations for health workers is being issued to fill labour shortages in the health sector.

• The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, for which two additional streams were just revealed, provides talented refugees and other displaced people with the chance to use their education, experience, and training to continue their professions in Canada. With over 50% of the applications submitted for individuals working as nurses’ aides, orderlies, and patient service associates, this pilot has so far experienced the biggest uptake in the healthcare industry. Express Entry was modified in April to make it easier to provide permanent resident visas to doctors in Canada who provide publicly financed healthcare.
• The Canadian government stated in December that $90 million will be invested in initiatives to assist break down obstacles that prohibit qualified and competent immigrants from acquiring job experience in their own professions or fields of study.

Between 2017 and 2022, 21,656 skilled immigrants entered Canada to work in the health sector.

What is the reason behind conducting the category-based draw for health workers?

Health workers are needed in communities across Canada. The health industry is one of several important fields in which there are severe shortages of workers in Canada. In order to address this issue, Minister Fraser last month unveiled updates to Express Entry, Canada’s premier economic immigration program. Applicants from specified sectors or with particular skills, training, or language proficiency can now receive invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada from the Canadian government.

This action will enhance Canadians’ and their families access to healthcare services by emphasizing candidates with experience in the field and bringing in the talent the nation needs. The first-ever category-based selection rounds also help Canada fulfill its objective of integrating in-demand workers and professionals into local communities across the nation.

Things to take under consideration:

The skilled immigrants who entered Canada between 2017 and 2022 planned to work in the following health occupations, according to IRCC landing data (please note that these are just early estimates and subject to change):

• 10,051 nurses (including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses)
• 4,449 doctors (including 2,013 specialist physicians)
• 2,552 dentists
• 2,054 pharmacists
• 910 physiotherapists (798) and occupational therapists (112)
• 156 optometrists
• 218 dieticians and nutritionists
• 13 chiropractors
• 410 medical laboratory technologists
• 222 medical radiation technologists
• 151 audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• 171 allied primary health practitioners
• 56 paramedical occupations
• 88 respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
• 155 dental hygienists and dental therapists

On May 31, 2023, Minister Fraser made the first-ever announcement of the introduction of category-based selection, a new procedure to accept qualified immigrants with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.

The categories were chosen after thorough discussions with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders, and the general public, as well as an analysis of the demands of the labour market.

Quebec sets its own immigration levels in accordance with the Canada-Québec Accord. Between 2018 and 2022, admissions through the Federal High-Skilled program made up between 34% and 40% of all French-speaking outside of Quebec admissions.

When is the next Canada Express Entry category-based draw to be conducted?

The second draw is to be held on July 5, where 1,500 applicants will be invited to submit their applications.

If you have any questions or concerns about obtaining a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa, please contact us at info@peerlessimmigration.com, and one of our team members will be happy to assist you. You can also reach us at +91-8595010514