Express Entry: IRCC Invites 500 STEM Professionals In Category-Based Draw

In a bid to meet talent demands and foster economic growth, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its second round of category-based Express Entry invitations.

This recent draw specifically focused on candidates eligible for category-based selection in STEM occupations, encompassing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It is worth noting that in the STEM category, the IRCC will give preference to Express Entry candidates who possess a strong French language proficiency or have work experience in specific fields.

STEM Draw: Invitations and Minimum CRS Score

The draw resulted in the invitation of 500 candidates, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 486.

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Anticipation and IRCC’s Commitment

Anticipation had been building since the IRCC’s announcement last week regarding the initial category-based selection draw aimed at STEM professionals.

Furthermore, the IRCC has confirmed an additional round of invitations this week, inviting 1,500 healthcare workers to apply for permanent residence.

It’s worth noting that the previous draw on June 28 welcomed 500 healthcare workers, marking the lowest CRS score requirement of 476 observed in any Express Entry draw in 2023.

Eligible Occupations Under the STEM Draw

The eligible occupations under the STEM draw include:

• Architects
• Architecture and science managers
• Business systems specialists
• Civil Engineers
• Computer and information systems managers
• Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
• Computer systems developers and programmers
• Cybersecurity specialists
• Data scientists
• Database analysts and data administrators
• Electrical and electronics engineers
• Engineering managers
• Industrial and manufacturing engineers
• Information systems specialists
• Land surveyors
• Landscape Architects
• Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
• Metallurgical and materials engineers
• Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
• Software developers and programmers
• Software engineers and designers
• Urban and land use planners
• Web designers
• Web developers and programmers

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IRCC’s New Category-based Selection Criteria

The Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, disclosed on May 31 that the IRCC had finalized new category-based selection criteria for Express Entry draws.

These categories were determined based on labour market projections, consultations with IRCC partners and stakeholders, as well as discussions with provincial and territorial governments.

Surprising All-Program Draw

In a surprising move on July 4, the IRCC conducted an all-program draw, inviting 700 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 511.

All program draws consider Express Entry candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.