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IRCC Announces First Express Entry STEM Draw: 500 Invited

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    Latest Express Entry Draw​

    On July 5th, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a second round of Express Entry invitations. This time, the invitations were specifically targeted toward candidates eligible for category-based selection in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. A total of 500 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 486.
    This draw was anticipated, as the IRCC had previously announced that a category-based selection Express Entry draw for professionals in STEM fields would be held this week. The aim is to attract skilled individuals in these high-demand occupations to contribute to Canada’s thriving innovation and technology sectors.
    In addition, IRCC has confirmed that another round of invitations will be issued this week, inviting 1,500 healthcare workers to apply for permanent residence. This initiative emphasizes the significance of healthcare professionals in supporting Canada’s healthcare system and addressing the country’s healthcare needs.
    The consecutive rounds of Express Entry invitations reflect the Canadian government’s commitment to attracting skilled individuals across various sectors and addressing the labor market needs of the country. These invitation rounds provide valuable opportunities for eligible candidates to secure permanent residency and contribute their expertise to Canada’s diverse and growing economy.
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    Details of the draw:​

    • Total ITAs issued: 500
    • Type of draw: STEM occupations
    • Date and time of round: July 05, 2023 13:38:22 UTC
    • CRS cutoff score: 486
    • Tie-breaking rule: June November 23, 2022 00:01:29 UTC
    If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
    Last week, on June 28th, a category-based draw took place, inviting 500 healthcare workers with the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 476 seen in any Express Entry draw so far in 2023.
    In a surprising draw on July 4th, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 700 candidates in an all-program draw, with a minimum CRS score of 511. All program draws consider Express Entry candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
    Category-based selection has been implemented to prioritize skilled newcomers with expertise in STEM occupations. By doing so, Canada aims to meet the growing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement. The eligible occupations under the STEM draw include architects, business systems specialists, civil engineers, data scientists, software developers, and more:
    • 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
    • Cyber security 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

    On May 31st, Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, announced the finalized category-based selection criteria for Express Entry draws. These categories were chosen based on labour market projections, discussions with IRCC partners, stakeholders, and provincial/territorial governments. They include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and strong French-language proficiency.

    • 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 introduction of category-based selection draws was made possible in June 2022, following changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These changes allow for the selection of immigrants based on specific attributes that align with Canada’s economic priorities, such as work experience to fill labour market gaps or proficiency in French.
    The implementation of category-based selection draws highlights the Canadian government’s commitment to strategically selecting immigrants based on key attributes to support economic growth, address labour market needs, and promote linguistic diversity. These draws create opportunities for skilled individuals to contribute their expertise and thrive in Canada’s diverse and thriving economy.

    The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not have a predetermined schedule for conducting Express Entry draws based on specific categories. The timing and frequency of these draws are at the discretion of the Immigration Minister, who considers Canada’s economic priorities and the promotion of the French language. In other words, category-based selection draws can occur at any time and for any eligible category.

    For candidates to be eligible in any of the five occupation-specific categories, they must meet the following requirements:

    1. Accumulated a minimum of 6 months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past 3 years in a single occupation listed as eligible for that category.

    2. Fulfill all the requirements specified in the instructions for that particular draw.
    Candidates who are invited based on strong French language proficiency must provide French-language test results that demonstrate a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Additionally, they must meet all the other requirements outlined in the instructions for that specific draw.

    The eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the category and the specific instructions provided for each draw. It is essential for candidates to carefully review the requirements and ensure they meet all the criteria specified in the instructions for the category they are applying under.

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