Express Entry
IRCC Invites 5,900 STEM Professionals in Third Express Entry Draw of the Week
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made a significant move in its latest Express Entry draw by extending invitations to 5,900 candidates. This draw, the third of the week, is distinguished by its focus on candidates with expertise in STEM Professions. In this draw, candidates needed to attain a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481 for consideration.
Express Entry Draws Highlights
This announcement follows the previous day’s draw on December 7th, where 1,000 candidates proficient in French were invited with a CRS of 470. The week commenced with an all-program draw on December 6th, inviting 4,750 candidates with a CRS score of 561.
These draws mark a resumption after a pause of more than a month. The last draw before this hiatus occurred on October 26, drawing 3,600 candidates in a category-based selection for healthcare occupations. On November 14, IRCC acknowledged technical difficulties faced by candidates in uploading final applications to the Express Entry profile builder, resolving the issue within two days.
Eligibility for STEM Occupations Category
To be eligible for consideration under the STEM Occupations category, candidates must meet specific criteria. This includes eligibility:
- In one of the three Express Entry streams: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
- Additionally, candidates need a minimum of 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience in the past 3 years, falling under one of the 24 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes specified for the STEM Occupations category.
- Meeting all the requirements outlined in the instructions for the particular round is crucial.
STEM Occupations Invited
The STEM Occupations draw is a part of IRCC’s broader initiative to streamline Express Entry draws through category-based selections. Introduced by former Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser in May, this approach signifies a shift in the immigration landscape. The 24 NOC codes associated with STEM Occupations cover a diverse range:
| OCCUPATION | NOC CODE |
| Architects | 21200 |
| Architecture and Science Managers | 20011 |
| Business Systems Specialists | 21221 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 20012 |
| Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) | 21311 |
| Computer Systems Developers and Programmers | 21230 |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 21220 |
| Data Scientists | 21211 |
| Database Analysts and Data Administrators | 21223 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 21310 |
| Engineering Managers | 20010 |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers | 21321 |
| Information Systems Specialists | 21222 |
| Land Surveyors | 21203 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 |
| Mathematicians, Statisticians, And Actuaries | 21210 |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineers | 21322 |
| Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers | 41400 |
| Software Developers and Programmers | 21232 |
| Software Engineers and Designers | 21231 |
| Urban and Land Use Planners | 21202 |
| Web Designers | 21233 |
| Web Developers and Programmers | 21234 |
As of 2022 Q4, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services category had 56,915 job vacancies in Canada. Provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia demonstrated the highest demand for STEM professionals, positioning them as essential contributors to the country’s economic growth.
Shaping the Future with STEM Professionals
IRCC’s commitment to strategic immigration is evident in the focus on STEM Occupations, aligning with the evolving needs of Canada’s labor market. As international candidates with STEM expertise continue to receive invitations, the latest Express Entry draw sets the stage for a promising future, contributing to the nation’s growth and innovation.
