Express Entry STEM draw occurs for the first time. IRCC recently issued ITAs this week.
This time, it was for applicants who qualified for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) category-based selection.
Express Entry STEM draw occurs for the first time
500 applicants received invitations, and candidates needed a 486 CRS score or higher.
This draw was anticipated because IRCC had already said this week would see the first-ever category-based Express Entry draws for persons in STEM professions. This implies Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
500 healthcare workers with a minimum CRS score of 476 received ITAs in the recent category-based draw, which took place last week on June 28. This was the lowest CRS score in any Express Entry in 2023.
IRCC also invited 700 candidates in an all-program draw with a minimum CRS score of 511 on July 4. This came as a surprise draw.
Category-based draws – STEM occupations
According to a recent news release from IRCC, Canada intends to fulfill the rising demand for talent and fill critical positions that support the country’s economic growth and technological innovation. It aims to do so by prioritizing the invitation of qualified newcomers with STEM experience.
- Architects
- Architecture and science managers
- Computer and information systems managers
- Business systems specialists
- Civil Engineers
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Computer systems developers and programmers
- Data scientists
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Database analysts and data administrators
- Engineering managers
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers
- Information systems specialists
- Land surveyors
- Software developers and programmers
- Landscape Architects
- Metallurgical and materials engineers
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, program officers, and consultants
- Software developers and programmers
- Web designers
- Urban and land use planners
- Web developers and programmers
On May 31, Sean Fraser declared that the revised category-based selection standards for Express Entry draws had been completed by the IRCC. Based on labor market predictions, conversations with IRCC partners and stakeholders, as well as with provincial and territorial governments, the categories were determined. These are what they are:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
- French language proficiency
- Contractors, Plumbers, and Carpenters – Trades
- Transport
Since June 2022, when the Canadian government amended the IRPA to permit the selection of immigrants based on key characteristics that support Canada’s economic priorities, such as specific work experience to fill labor market gaps or proficiency in French, category-based selection draws been anticipated.
Category-based draws – Common FAQs
Is a candidate eligible if he or she is not under Express Entry but holds STEM work experience?
Candidates must be in the Express Entry application pool through an Express Entry program. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the FSTP, or the Canadian Experience Class, to be eligible for invites in a category-based selection draw.
Does the CRS score hold any relevance now?
The Express Entry pool of applicants who satisfy the category requirements will attain ranks, according to the IRCC, and the top applicants will be invited to submit applications for permanent residence. The CRS score will be used to rank eligible candidates, just like in a standard draw. The likelihood of receiving an ITA is still highest for those with better scores.
Moreover, IRCC will consistently hold the all-program as well as program-specific draws. Therefore, superior CRS scores will still have significance.
What will be the frequency of these category-based draws?
IRCC is not required to hold Express Entry draws on a predetermined timetable or extend invitations to a particular number of applicants through any program or category. The Immigration Minister has the discretion to conduct draws, which follow the Minister’s duty to support the French language and Canada’s economic interests. In other words, draws can happen whenever they choose, for any category.
Is there a distinct criterion for each category?
All candidates must meet the following conditions to become eligible for one of the five occupation-specific categories:
- I am having acquired, within the last three years, at least six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in one of the eligible occupations.
- Satisfy all criteria listed in the round’s instructions.
Candidates who receive ITAs based on their high level of French language proficiency must have results from a French language test that demonstrate a minimum score of 7 in each of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, as well as satisfy all the requirements listed in the instructions for that round.
