IRCC has issued a second round of Express Entry invitations this week.
In total, 500 candidates were invited. Candidates required a minimum CRS score of 486.
This time, it was for candidates who are eligible for category-based selection in science, engineering, technology & mathematics (STEM) occupations.
IRCC has also confirmed it will have another round of invitations this week, inviting 1,500 healthcare workers to apply for permanent residence.
STEM occupations for category-based selection
In a recent news release, IRCC said by prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with STEM experience, Canada aims to meet the growing demand for talent & fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement.
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
- Landscape Architects
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
- Metallurgical and materials engineers
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Data scientists
- Database analysts and data administrators
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Engineering managers
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers
- Information systems specialists
- Land surveyors
- Software developers and programmers
- Software engineers and designers
- Urban and land use planners
- Web designers
- Web developers and programmers
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, announced on May 31 that IRCC had finalized new category-based selection criteria for Express Entry draws. The categories were chosen based on labour market projections and discussions with IRCC partners and stakeholders as well as with provincial and territorial governments. They are as follows:
- Healthcare
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Strong French-language proficiency
Category-based selection draws have been expected since June 2022, when the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support Canada’s economic priorities, such as specific work experience to fill labour market gaps, or knowledge of French.
