Express Entry Draw 278 | 400 Invited in Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

Express Entry Draw 278

Date of Draw: December 21, 2023 at 14:15:42 UTC

Number of Invitations Issued: 400

Minimum CRS: 386

Program Specified: Agriculture and agri-food occupations (2023-1)

Tie-breaking rule: July 06, 2023 at 05:44:14 UTC

Canada’s Express Entry system is now tailored to streamline and efficiently accommodate individuals with expertise in critical fields. By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with work experience in Agriculture and agri-food jobs, Canada aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute significantly to the nation’s farming and food processing operations.

Addressing Labor Shortages and Bolstering the Agri-Food Sector

In a groundbreaking move, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has unveiled a new initiative to attract skilled workers with expertise in agriculture and agri-food occupations to the country. Under the category-based selection system introduced on May 31, 2023, this strategic move aims to combat labour shortages and enhance Canada’s economic goals by welcoming candidates with specific work experience or French language proficiency as permanent residents.

Welcoming Skilled Talent to Power Agricultural Growth

The focus is on attracting candidates with experience in this sector, including agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, and retail and wholesale butchers, to meet the growing demand for skilled talent nationwide.

These category-based selection rounds ran throughout 2023, in parallel with general and program-specific invitation rounds. Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and supporting the economy by meeting the need for agriculture and agri-food workers is evident in this significant step forward.

Second Draw for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

On September 28, the first round of invitations for agriculture and agri-food occupations through category-based selection in Express Entry was held. The draw #267 issued 600 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 354.

Today’s draw was the second draw for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations. Meaning that all candidates for this draw were selected from specific occupations of the industry within the Express Entry pool. The 278 draw issued 400 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 386.

Eligibility for This Category

To be eligible for Agriculture and agri-food occupations you must:

• Have accumulated at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a single occupation listed in the provided table within the past 3 years.
• This experience could be gained in Canada or abroad.
• Fulfill all requirements detailed in the instructions for each specific round.

Full eligibility details can be found in the instructions provided for each round of invitations.

Which are the Eligible Agriculture and agri-food occupations?

Will Express Entry Still Hold All-Program Draws?

Yes, Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be 3 types of rounds:

1. General round of invitations: This type invites the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration established specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada during 2023. The top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for each category draw category will receive an invitation.

Latest Express Entry Draw for All categories!

Check here the full list of the Express entry draws that were held this year:

Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!