Express Entry Draw 285 | 150 Invited in Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

Express Entry Draw 285

Date of Draw: February 16, 2024 at 15:18:05 UTC

Number of Invitations Issued: 150

Minimum CRS: 437

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

Tie-breaking rule: January 29, 2024 at 03:32:58 UTC

Canada’s Express Entry system is 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

Under the category-based selection system introduced on May 31, 2023, the Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations aims to combat labour shortages and enhance Canada’s economic goals by welcoming candidates with specific work experience in the field.

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.

First Draw for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations in 2024

Today’s draw was is the first of the year draw for Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations.

The draw #285 issued 150 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 437. Meaning that all candidates for this draw were selected from specific occupations of the industry within the Express Entry pool.

Compared to the two draws conducted in 2023, this draw featured a higher qualifying score, significantly reducing the number of invitations issued to candidates with occupations in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

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?

All-Program Draws

Express Entry program holds different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There are 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!