IRCC has issued the second round of Express Entry invitations this week. This time, it was for applicants who were eligible for category-based selections in STEM professions. 

In total, 500 applicants were invited, and for this, they needed a minimum CRS score of 486. The draw was expected as IRCC declared that the first-ever category-based selection for individuals in STEM professions would occur this week. 

In addition, IRCC has also confirmed that it will have another round of Express Entry invitations this week, wherein over 1,500 healthcare professionals were invited to apply for PR. 

The most recent category-based draw was held last week on June 28 & invited over 500 healthcare professionals. Herein, the professionals needed a minimum CRS score of 476. Well, it is the lowest CRS score in any Express Entry draw in 2023. 

In the surprise draw held on July 4, IRCC invited over 700 applicants in an all-program draw with a minimum CRS score of 511. In addition, an all-program draw considers Express Entry applicants in CEC, FSTP, & FSWP.  

 

STEM Professions For Category-Based Selection 

In the recently released news, IRCC asserted that by prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers/ immigrants with STEM experience, Canada aims to meet the growing demand for talent & fill critical positions that contribute to the nation’s technological advancement & economic growth. 

Eligible professions under the STEM draw include: 

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

 

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, declared that on May 31, IRCC had finalized new category-based selection criteria for Express Entry draws. These categories were chosen depending on the labor market projections & discussions with IRCC stakeholders, and partners along with territorial & provincial governments. They are as follows: 

  • STEM Professions
  • Healthcare
  • Trade
  • Agriculture/ Agri-Food
  • Transport
  • Strong French Language Proficiency   

 

The category-based selection draws have been expected since June 2022, when the Canadian government made changes to the IRPA to allow for the selection of immigrants/ newcomers based on critical attributes that support Canada’s economic priorities, like relevant work experience to fill labor market gaps, acquiring French language abilities, etc. 

 

FAQs Regarding The New Category-Based Draws

  • Am I eligible if I have relevant STEM work experience but I am not an Express Entry candidate? 

No, applicants who obtain invitations in a category-based selection draw must be in the Express Entry pool via an Express Entry program, i.e., CEC, FSTP, or FSWP. 

  • Does my CRS score still matter? 

IRCC asserts that the category-based Express Entry invitation rounds will rank applicants who meet category requirements in the Express Entry pool. Further, the top-ranking individuals will be invited to apply for PR. As in the regular draw, eligible applicants will be ranked according to their CRS score. Applicants with the highest scores are likely to obtain an ITA, i.e., Invitation To Apply. 

In addition, IRCC will continue to hold all program draws. Thus, a higher CRS score is still important to be considered for such draws. 

  • How often will there be category-based selection draws? 

IRCC doesn’t need to hold Express Entry draws on a set schedule. In addition, IRCC is bound to invite a targeted number of applicants via any program or category. Draws are at the discretion of the immigration minister & take place based on the minister’s mandate to support the nation’s economic priorities & French language. Well, simply put, draws can take place at any time for any category.  

  • Are the criteria different in each new category? 

To be eligible for one of the five occupation-specific categories/ classifications, all applicants must: 

  • Accumulate at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years in a single profession listed as eligible. 
  • Meet all requirements/ conditions in the instructions for that particular round. 

Applicants who are invited, depending on strong French language proficiency, must have the test results to represent a minimum score of 7 in all language abilities, like reading, listening, speaking, & writing.