Canada Invites Skilled Workers for PR Applications
Are you considering making Canada your new home? If so, you’re in good company! Recently, Canada has opened its doors wider by inviting foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency (PR). On July 12, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 invitations under the Express Entry system, specifically for roles in healthcare and social services. The lowest-ranked candidate to receive an invitation had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 475, which is rather attainable for many skilled workers.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s way of managing applications for PR from skilled workers. It includes several immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), among others. If you’re new to this, the CRS is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
How Does the Express Entry Work?
Initially, candidates create an online profile, entering details about their skills and experience. Applicants are then ranked based on their CRS scores, and those with the highest scores receive invitations to apply for PR. It’s a competitive process, but understanding the system can give you the edge you need to secure that opportunity.
Understanding the Recent Draws
On July 21, IRCC also held a PNP draw, offering 202 additional invitations. For the PNP stream, the lowest CRS score was significantly higher at 788. If multiple candidates have the same lowest score, the tie-breaking rule refers to the submission date and time of their profiles to determine who gets invited.
Job Opportunities in Canada
Canada is eager for skilled workers, especially in healthcare and social services, where demand continues to grow. If you have relevant work experience—at least six months of full-time work or the equivalent in part-time roles—you may be eligible under this category. Furthermore, this experience should be recent, usually within the past three years, in an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
At VisaJobsCanada.com, we focus specifically on jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. So, if you’re looking for roles in healthcare or social services, this could be a great first step. Each job listing on our site includes visa support, making it easier for you to explore your options from overseas.
What’s New in the Express Entry Program?
The Express Entry program saw updates in February 2025, adding a new ‘education occupation category’ and prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience. If you’re already in Canada, gaining local experience can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
It’s also worth noting that as of March 25, Canada withdrew “job offer points” from the CRS for many applicants. However, certain managerial roles and skilled occupations still retain this advantage, making thorough research into your eligibility crucial.
The Importance of Networking
If you’re keen on moving to Canada, building a professional network can be a game changer. Connect with people in your intended field, and consider reaching out for informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities. Sometimes, knowing the right person can lead to a job offer, which is invaluable when applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document, required for most foreign workers to obtain work permits in Canada, shows that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian job market.
The job market in Canada is vibrant and diverse, with a plethora of opportunities waiting for skilled individuals. By understanding pathways like Express Entry and PNP, and utilising job platforms that focus on visa sponsorship, you can make your dream of living and working in Canada a reality.
What do you think?
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