Table of Contents
In a monumental move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has executed its inaugural Express Entry draw specifically for candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This action marks the second instance of category-based draws following the introduction of six new categories for the selection of Express Entry candidates, announced on May 31.
The recent Express Entry draw took place on July 05, 2023, issuing a total of 500 invitations to candidates in STEM professions. The candidates who received invitations were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486 to qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Details of Express Entry Draw #254
The following outlines who was invited:
Total number of invitations: 500
Required rank to apply: 500 or above
Draw type: STEM Occupations (2023-1)
Round Date and time: July 05, 2023, 13:38:22 UTC
CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidates invited: 486
Tie-breaking rule: November 23, 2022, 00:01:29 UTC
If a situation arises where multiple candidates have achieved the same lowest score, the deciding factor becomes the time and date at which their Express Entry profiles were submitted. The inaugural category-based draw, conducted on June 28, 2023, issued ITAs to a total of 500 Healthcare professionals with a minimum CRS score of 476.
Focus on STEM Occupations in Express Entry
In a recent declaration, IRCC expressed that by prioritizing ITAs for highly skilled immigrants with STEM background, Canada is aiming to fulfill its rising talent needs, and fill critical roles that boost the country’s economic growth and technological progression.
Here are some of the eligible professions under the STEM draw:
- Architecture and Science Managers
- Architects
- Business Systems Analysts
- Civil Engineering Experts
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Engineers (excluding Software Engineers and Designers)
- Computer Systems Programmers and Developers
- Cybersecurity Professionals
- Data Scientists
- Database Analysts and Administrators
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Engineering Managers
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
- Information Systems Experts
- Land Surveyors
- Landscape Architects
- Mathematicians, Statisticians, and Actuaries
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
- Natural and Applied Science Policy Consultants, Researchers, and Program Officers
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Software Engineers and Designers
- Urban and Land Use Planners
- Web Designers
- Web Developers and Programmers
Express Entry: New Category-Based Selection Draws
On May 31, Sean Fraser, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, revealed that IRCC has established new selection categories for Express Entry draws. These categories were decided upon considering labor market forecasts and after discussing with Partners, Stakeholders, Provincial and Territorial governments. The chosen categories consist of:
- Healthcare
- STEM professions
- Trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and contracting
- Transportation
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- High proficiency in French
Starting from June 2022, the Canadian Government has initiated category-based selection draws. This amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act enables the selection of immigrants based on specific traits that coincide with Canada's economic priorities. Such traits may incorporate pertinent work experience to meet labor market requirements or proficiency in the French language.
Source: canada.ca
