Individuals with experience in specific professions are invited to apply for Canada's new fast entry system.

In a government statement issued today, Tuesday, the Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department announced a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers with specialized experience in carpentry, plumbing, and welding.

The category selection is the third in the new Express Entry process announced in May, which allows Canada to meet specific labor needs, a problem that has persisted in many sectors.

Mark Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said in a newspaper, "It is important to address the shortage of skilled workers in our country, and part of the solution is to help the construction sector find and retain the workers they need."

Before the Express Entry system, candidates were ranked based on accumulated points for age, marital status, education level, and other criteria, regardless of work experience.

Candidates with backgrounds in healthcare and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) were also invited to apply through the program.

The government stated that further announcements regarding other categories will be made in the coming weeks. This year's program is expected to focus on pathways for candidates working in:

healthcare

science and technology

engineering

mathematics

trades such as carpentry and plumbing

contracting

transportation

agriculture and agri-food

The program is also seeking skilled newcomers who are proficient in French, as the press release noted that category selection could attract more French-speaking individuals and allow more Canadians to live and work in the language of their choice.

Fraser also stated in a press release, "Simply put, Canada's immigration system has never been more responsive to the social or economic needs of the country."