Recently, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy concerning the eligibility of certain occupations for a certificate of qualification. Notably, IRCC has now excluded transport truck drivers from the list of professions that can be granted a certificate of qualification.
This change was communicated in a program delivery update on November 6, wherein IRCC staff were notified that the NOC code associated with transport truck drivers is no longer listed under those eligible for the Certificate of Qualification.As a result, truck drivers who are part of the Express Entry pool and have claimed points for obtaining a certificate of qualification through programs like the MELT, or for their licensing, should revise their Express Entry profiles as soon as possible. This precaution is to prevent any issues of misrepresentation in their applications, especially if IRCC decides to proceed with an Express Entry draw specifically targeting the transport sector in the near future.Understanding the Certificate of Qualification: This certificate is a confirmation that an individual has met all the required qualifications to perform a particular skilled trade in Canada. This typically includes the completion of specific training and passing a provincial or territorial certification exam.The certificate is issued by the regulatory bodies in the respective province or territory of Canada or by a federal agency when appropriate.The Advantages for Express Entry Candidates: Holders of a certificate of qualification can be awarded up to 50 additional points in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. It’s advantageous because the extra points can be obtained even without previous work experience in the eligible occupations, as long as the individual secures the certificate.Additionally, unlike some other immigration streams, gaining these points does not necessitate a job offer from a Canadian employer.It is advisable for those residing in Canada with a valid Express Entry profile, or those planning to apply, to consider pursuing certification in a skilled trade. Successful completion of a trade program and passing the certification exam in any Canadian province can lead to obtaining a qualification certificate.Obtaining the Certificate of Qualification: The criteria and process to obtain a certificate of qualification vary by province and territory in Canada. Individuals interested in pursuing this should consult the website of the regulatory body specific to their province or territory for detailed information.For trades that fall under federal jurisdiction, one can refer to the official Canadian website for information about skilled trades that are regulated at the federal level.
