Truck Drivers become eligible for Express Entry

Surya Rathee
[Published 28 Nov, 2022 | 03:44 PM]
About Author - 2 min read
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Canada is facing a drastic labor shortage of Truck Drivers due to the pandemic layoffs alongside the aging workforce. 

Last week, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shifted from the NOC 2016 system to the NOC 2021 system – and added 16 new occupations eligible for Express Entry. Truck driving is among them due to significant labor shortages within the sector.

Canada’s Truck Driving industry

Owing to factors including layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a high rate of retirement – the Truck Driving industry is facing an acute shortage of skilled workers. According to a report, there were over 18,000 job vacancies for Truck Drivers in Canada in the second quarter of 2021.

The Truck Driving industry is an important factor in Canada’s supply chain and plays a key role in supporting & sustaining the country’s economy – especially when there are disruptions and labor shortages.

The report also showcased how Canada’s trucking and logistics industry moves over $850 billion in products to domestic and export markets. Even before the global pandemic, it was estimated that the shortage of Truck Drivers in Canada was costing the industry approximately $450 million in lost productivity.

How does the NOC 2021 affect Express Entry?

Earlier, candidates were required to have a job experience that matches NOC skill categories 0, A, or B, which was consistent with the Canada NOC list 2016, in order to submit an Express Entry application for permanent residence in Canada. After this change on November 16, the new Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system will be used by Canada to establish a candidate's eligibility for work experience.

The NOC code for Truck Drivers according to the new NOC 2021 system is 73300.

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry

Launched back in 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. The point-based system currently manages three federal high-skilled streams:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Candidates with the highest scores in the CRS points calculator are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency in a subsequent Express Entry draw. With draws being continuously conducted with lower CRS scores, now is the best time to immigrate to Canada as a Truck Driver. By lowering the CRS score, IRCC plans to increase the number of candidates eligible to receive ITAs through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).