In a significant development, IRCC has conducted the first-ever Express Entry STEM draw, issuing a second round of invitations this week. The draw specifically targeted candidates eligible for category-based selection in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. A total of 500 candidates were invited, with a minimum CRS score requirement of 486. As well as this groundbreaking initiative by IRCC marks an important milestone in prioritizing STEM occupations within the Express Entry system.
Since IRCC had already announced that it would hold its first Express Entry lottery this week for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals, this draw was widely anticipated.
As part of another round of invitations that will be sent out this week, the IRCC will invite 1,500 healthcare professionals to apply for permanent residency.
500 healthcare workers with a minimum CRS score of 476 were called to the most recent category-based draw, which took place last week on June 28. This was the lowest CRS score in any Express Entry event so far in 2023.
Furthermore, as part of its surprise draw for candidates with a minimum CRS score of 511, IRCC invited 700 candidates yesterday, July 4. In an All-Program Draw, Express Entry applicants from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canada Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program are considered.
Category-based selections for STEM occupations
Canada will give priority to the invitation of qualified newcomers with STEM experience in order to fill critical positions supporting economic growth and technological innovation, as reported in a recent news release from IRCC.
In order to qualify for the STEM draw, you must be in one of the following professions:
- Architects
- Civil Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
- Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers)
- Software Engineers and Designers
- Computer Systems Developers and Programmers
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Web Developers and Programmers
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators
- Data Scientists
- Business Systems Specialists
- Information Systems Specialists
- Architecture and Science Managers
- Engineering Managers
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Landscape Architects
- Land Surveyors
- Urban and Land Use Planners
- Mathematicians, Statisticians, and Actuaries
- Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers
- Web Designers
The revised category-based selection standards for Express Entry drawings were finalized by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada on May 31, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, announced. Category selection was informed by discussions with IRCC partners, stakeholders, and the provinces and territories. The following are what they are:
- Healthcare
- STEM Professions
- Trades (Carpenters, Plumbers, Contractors)
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Strong French-language Proficiency
It has been anticipated that category-based selection draws will be conducted since the Canadian government amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in June 2022 to allow immigrants to be selected based on key economic characteristics that support Canada’s economic priorities, like specific work experience to fill labor market gaps or fluency in French.
First-ever Express Entry STEM draw – FAQs
If I possess STEM work experience but do not fall under the Express Entry category, am I still eligible?
Candidates must be in the Express Entry application pool through one of the Express Entry managed programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class, to be eligible for invitations in a category-based selection draw.
Is my CRS score still a relevant factor?
As per the IRCC, the Express Entry applicants who meet the category requirements will be invited to apply for permanent residence. The CRS score will continue to play a crucial role in ranking eligible candidates, similar to standard draws. Furthermore, candidates with higher scores have a higher likelihood of receiving an ITA.
It is important to note that a high CRS score remains significant for consideration in the regular all-program or program-specific draws conducted by IRCC.
What is the frequency of category-based selection draws?
The IRCC does not have a predetermined schedule or target number of candidates for Express Entry draws. Moreover, the timing and invitations for draws are determined by the immigration minister based on Canada’s economic priorities and support for the French language. In other words, draws can take place at any time and encompass any category within the Express Entry system.
Do the criteria vary for each new category introduced?
All candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for one of the five occupation-specific categories:
- Accumulate a minimum of 6 months of continuous work experience, within the past 3 years, in a single eligible occupation (in Canada or abroad).
- Fulfill all requirements specified in the instructions for the particular round of selection.
Candidates invited based on their exceptional French language proficiency must possess French language test results indicating a minimum score of 7 in each of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Additionally, they must meet all the requirements specified in the instructions for the respective round of selection.
