Express entry system aims to tackle labour shortages and increase Francophone immigration
Marc Miller – Canada’s minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship – has announced a new education category and other new express entry categories for 2025, which seek to align the selection of federal economic immigrants with Canada’s long-term labour shortages.
A news release from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said that this year, the federal economic class draws will focus on inviting candidates with experience working in Canada (the Canadian experience class) to apply for permanent residence.
“Canada’s Express Entry system is evolving to meet the country’s changing needs,” Miller said in the news release. “By addressing labour shortages, strengthening our economy and increasing Francophone immigration, we are building a more dynamic workforce with workers and professionals from in-demand fields.”
The IRCC was seeking to bring in-demand professionals to the country by issuing invitations for applications for potential permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language abilities, the news release said.
The IRCC was also aiming to comply with Francophone immigration targets and to meet the acute needs in health, trades, and education by holding category-based invitation rounds in the following categories:
By focusing on these priority areas, the IRCC was seeking to draw in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and to contribute to the country’s future, the news release said.
The news release emphasized that the immigration system could help support Canada’s economic growth and could respond to the country’s needs as labour requirements in certain sectors keep evolving.
The news release said the federal government aimed to support and foster the economic vitality of Francophone communities beyond Quebec and to introduce adjustments to attain sustainable, long-term economic prosperity and growth.
“Our approach ensures immigration remains a key driver of Canada’s growth, helping businesses thrive while supporting communities across the country,” Miller said in the IRCC’s news release.
Express Entry is the flagship application management system used for those seeking to immigrate permanently into the country via the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or a part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
