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Canada’s labour shortage has been an ongoing challenge for a long period. Last year, Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) implemented new Express Entry changes that impact the Canadian labour market. These changes have made more occupations now eligible for Express Entry and immigration and permanent residency in Canada.
What is NOC 2021?
The NOC 2021 is published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada (StatCan). It is an occupation classification system used to determine provisions for the labour market and eligibility for immigration.
Thanks to NOC 2021, new employment requirements have introduced new occupations for Express Entry. Some of the new changes include:
The introduction of a new six-category system used to determine TEER (training, education, experience, and responsibilities) for each occupation
A five-tiered hierarchical arrangement of occupational groups
A new five-digit codification system that replaces the previous four-digit system
How NOC 2021 Affects Express Entry
For foreigners who want to work in Canada, it’s important to have an Express Entry profile. The Express Entry program is one of the most popular programs for immigration into Canada. It’s the simplest, most popular program to gain permanent residency. Canada's points-based Express Entry immigration system requires a score of at least 67 points out of a possible 100 Selection Factor criteria before you apply. (See our article: 11 Ways to Increase Your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System Score.) Multiple national and provincial Express Entry drawings are held throughout the year to meet local labour needs.
There are three main programs that you can qualify for through Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). This program is for applicants who have a significant amount of work experience or education and want to immigrate.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This program is for skilled tradespeople who want to immigrate.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This program is reserved for foreign nationals working in Canada for at least one year and who want to apply for permanent residence.
Thanks to NOC 2021, 16 new occupations have become eligible for Express Entry.
16 New Occupations Eligible for Express Entry in Canada
The following occupations have become eligible for Express Entry:
Aircraft assemblers
Heavy equipment operators
Bus drivers
Truck drivers
Pest controllers
Residential and commercial installers
Estheticians
Correctional service officers
Sheriffs and bailiffs
Elementary and secondary school teachers and assistants
Pharmacy technicians
Nurse aides
Dental assistants
Payroll administrators
Other repairers and servicers
Regulatory officers
Challenges With Express Entry Profiles
Unfortunately, the changes from NOC 2021 have also made the forms more difficult to understand. One of the most important changes involves the new codes for each occupation. You will need to use the right codes for any past jobs you’ve had and your current profession.
To ensure that you have the right codes for your past occupations, you can check on the Government of Canada website and search under the NOC 2021 List selection, or work with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Shortage of Truck Drivers
While many occupations are experiencing a labour shortage, the trucking industry, in particular, is facing a significant shortage. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several factors have led to a shortage in the trucking industry. Some of the most substantial factors involve layoffs and high retirement rates. The trucking industry has experienced millions in lost productivity thanks to the labour shortage. It’s no surprise that truck drivers are not eligible for Express Entry.
How Truck Drivers Can Apply for Express Entry
If you are a truck driver trying to obtain permanent residence through Express Entry, you need a skilled corporate immigration lawyer from Ackah Law. At Ackah Law, we specialize in business immigration law. We make the immigration process easier to navigate for each of our clients.
To be selected for permanent residency, you must first determine if you are eligible. Your eligibility will be determined based on the answers you’ve given on your application form and the detailed requirements for each program.
Once eligible, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If your score rises above a certain minimum, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply. Once you receive this invitation, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application.
A corporate immigration attorney can keep you on track and use their expertise to help you obtain permanent residency. Your attorney can help you fill out your application and ensure you have the best chance of being invited to apply. We can help identify potential problems during the application stage and stop them from happening.
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Book A Consultation With Ackah Law Today
The Express Entry process can be confusing at times. Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law to make your process easier and not waste time and money. Our legal strategies can prevent you from suffering unnecessarily from the current backlogs and other immigration issues. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, whether you wish to immigrate to Canada for work, personal or education-based reasons, our immigration lawyers are here to make the process as straightforward as possible. Call 403-452-9515 today to get started on your exciting journey, or schedule a consultation online. Both corporate and personal immigration services are available. Call our office, or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation today. We can help you understand the recent changes to Express Entry in Canada.
