The ongoing demand for STEM workers in Canada reflects why STEM occupations are among the Express Entry categories. Express Entry took effect in the initial part of 2023. This application management system chooses candidates who display special qualifications. These could be education, work experience, and language abilities to fulfill identified economic requirements and priorities.
The federal government collected feedback from various stakeholders and the public to conclude all five categories of Express Entry category-based selection draws. These were precisely those occupational categories that were facing labor market gaps. These include healthcare, agriculture and agri-food, transport, trade, and STEM occupations.
Standard Express Entry draws significantly differ from category-based draws because they focus on different factors while choosing candidates. The category draws select candidates on the basis of the skills and work experience they have in a specific occupation. Conversely, the standard draws only emphasize the CRS scores.
The ongoing demand for STEM workers in Canada – why did Canada choose STEM professions as an Express Entry category
After 2022, Statistics Canada revealed through a report that there is a labor shortage within the country’s STEM professions. This means there was a need to hire foreign nationals with relevant experience in these occupations. The gap in this sector is primarily due to increased retirements and modern technology within businesses and routine life.
Besides this, the Artificial Intelligence sector has become prominent in Canada, leading to a rise in the need for tech workers.
Interestingly, Canada acquired the fourth position as a global leader in innovation, implementation, and the Global AI Index’s investment.
Overall, Canada has always been prominent for its potential to welcome talent. Moreover, the STEM category will further enhance its support for science and technology and its labor force. Also, the country will be able to hire an increased number of skilled workers to reach its fullest potential and also bring innovation.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry revealed the above when STEM occupations emerged as an Express Entry category for the first time.
Mr. Champagne said that Canada is the best place to welcome a technological firm because it has the capacity to bring talent and innovation through entrepreneurs.
What is the actual demand for STEM workers in Canada?
Employment and Social Development Canada utilizes a tool called the Canadian Occupational Projection System. COPS offers increased information related to occupational perception for various professions. It also calculates the anticipated job vacancies in a specific occupation from 2023 to 2031.
The overall perception of the STEM professions between 2023 and 2031 will appear to be as follows:
- 44,300 new job vacancies for Software Engineers and Designers.
- 80, 500 new job opportunities for Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers.
- 26,100 new job vacancies in Civil Engineering.
- 12,700 fresh job opportunities in Mechanical Engineering.
- 3,800 job opportunities will appear in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
- 12,600 new jobs in Electronics and Electrical Engineering.
- 4,600 job vacancies for Mathematicians, actuaries, and Statisticians.
- 12,200 new work opportunities for Technical professions in Physical Sciences.
As a result of the above predictions, it is evident that Canada will need a massive figure of skilled STEM workers to combat the gap in the labor market.
Increased opportunity for potential immigrants arriving in Canada
The annual report of 2022 Express Entry revealed that the top three occupations with the most ITA recipients belonged to the technology sector. The most prominent occupations under which most candidates received invitations are as follows:
- Software Engineers and Designers;
- Information System Specialists;
- Computer Systems Developers and Programmers
Skilled STEM workers looking forward to Canadian immigration might be eligible under the Express Entry category-based draws.
These skilled employees will have the potential to bridge the labor market gap and develop the STEM industry if they contribute to the Canadian economy through their meaningful work.
STEM Express Entry draws and their brief history
Until now, IRCC has sent invitations in one invitation round for skilled candidates working in STEM professions.
The draw occurred on July 5, 2023, in which 500 candidates obtained ITAs with relevant work experience in STEM professions. They received invitations to submit their Permanent Residence applications. The lowest score under the Comprehensive Ranking System was 486.
