First Round of Express Entry Invitations Sent in Agri-Food Sector

As GCCA reported earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection on May 31, 2023. These changes are meant to help address labour shortages and support economic goals by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence. On September 27, 2023, the Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced that the first round of invitations for agriculture and agri-food occupations through category-based selection in Express Entry will occur this week. The focus on candidates with experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector—including agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, and retail and wholesale butchers—is meant to help the sector attract the skilled talent it needs across the country.