The First Ever Express Entry STEM Draw

The IRCC has conducted the first-ever STEM draw. It is the second round of the Express Entry draw this week. In this draw, the applicants eligible in the category-based selection in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations were shortlisted.

There were a total of 500 applicants selected in the draw with the minimum CRS score requirement of 486 points. 

The draw was announced as the first-ever category-based selection draw, and the applicants in the STEM professions were the targeted immigrants in the draw

The Key Highlights of the draw are –

• ITA – 500 applicants
• CRS score – 486 points

IRCC has confirmed that in another round of invitations, it will invite 1500 healthcare workers for permanent residency. The category-based draw was last week, and it selected  500 healthcare workers with a minimum CRS score of 476 points. The lowest CRS score in an express entry draw so far in 2023.

There was also a surprise draw conducted on July 4, where 700 applicants were selected in an all-program with a minimum CRS score of 511. The Express Entry program has three subcategories - Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

What are the STEM occupations for category-based selection?

The reason to invite STEM occupations is the need to meet the demand for labor in the country and contribute to the country’s economy.

The eligible STEM occupations 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, & program officers
• Software developers and programmers
• Software engineers and designers
• Urban and land use planners
• Web designers
• Web developers and programmers

The latest Category based selection in the Express Entry draws was announced on May 31. The labor market projections, demands of the market, and many other factors were considered during this decision. The occupations which form the core highlights are -

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Strong French language proficiency

The Government of Canada has made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act so that the economic priorities of Canada can be met, such as the demand for specific work experience.