STEM occupations’ details might be one of the most crucial things with the ongoing Express Entry category-based draws.
Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, declared the beginning of category-based selection draws for Express Entry applicants on May 31.
According to IRCC, the first round of category-based draws for STEM occupations will occur this week. Healthcare professionals were invited to the inaugural category-based Express Entry draws, which took place last week by the IRCC.
The following occupations or excellent French language skills will be given preference by IRCC for Express Entry candidates.
- Transport
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, and Engineering – STEM occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Plumbers, Contractors, and Carpenters – Trades
These groups came into existence from data on projected labor market shortages. Also, due to suggestions from IRCC partners, provinces, territories, and other stakeholders from around the nation.
The reason behind choosing the STEM occupation
At the end of 2022, Statistics Canada published a report identifying a skills gap in Canada’s STEM labor force. The high rate of retirement, changing technology, and increasing automation in industry and daily life all contribute to this gap.
56,915 open positions in Canada are available for professional, scientific, and technical services at the end of 2022 Q4.
The federal budget for 2023 includes a $20 billion investment to assist the construction of significant clean electricity and growth infrastructure projects. Moreover, this investment increases the demand for professionals in the technology industry.
The demand for IT professionals has increased due to the expansion of Canada’s AI industry. According to the Global AI Index, Canada ranks fourth for its global competitiveness in IV innovation, implementation, and investment.
Furthermore, compared to other industries, many STEM jobs offer comparable pay. The average salary for this industry in 2021 was $90,252. This is much more than the average salary in Canada of $69,311. Additionally, the average wage in the STEM sector was $35.80 at the end of 2022 Q4. This salary exceeded the average wage in other industries, including hospitality and food services.
STEM occupations’ details – eligibility criteria
To qualify under the new STEM professional category, you must:
- Satisfy the requirements of one of the Express Entry programs (the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or FSTP), as applicable.
- Possess at least six months of continuous work experience in one of the following occupations over the last three years.
- Complete any additional requirements outlined in the round’s instructions.
STEM occupations’ category list
The STEM occupations category has twenty-four occupations, some of which are as follows:
- Architects
- Web developers and programmers
- Civil engineers
- Data scientists
- Software developers and programmers
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
- Engineer managers
- Land surveyors
- Urban and land use planners
Choosing the category-based invitation rounds under Express Entry – what is the process?
For Express Entry category-based draws or invitation rounds, IRCC will issue ITAs to candidates to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. However, this will apply to eligible candidates for a specific category.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Considerable work experience in a specific TEER category under NOC.
- French or English language proficiency.
- Educational qualification.
CRS Scores – how will they be considered?
In addition to the general and program-specific draws, category-based draws will take place by inviting the top applicants who seek to achieve economic objectives. The Comprehensive Ranking System, a points-based mechanism, will rank applicants in the Express Entry pool. Candidates obtain ranks using a variety of criteria, including age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
A candidate’s CRS score will still be very significant for category-based draws. Candidates who receive the highest ranking scores and who are also qualified for the category-based draw will receive invites from IRCC.
