What Makes You Eligible For STEM Express Entry Draw

On May 31st, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser presented a new way of choosing Express Entry applicants through specific categories. The category-based picks also apply to the STEM-specific draws. These enable Canada to concentrate on the candidates depending on their work experience, instead of their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This guide will give you all the information you need about the draw and how you can apply.

About Express Entry

The Express Entry system is an online platform that Canada utilizes to make the process of filing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers, domestic and international, easier and more efficient. It provides a faster way to permanent residency by processing the applications within six months. Below is a detailed table outlining the targeted groups and the main immigration programs managed through this system:

Here are the main immigration programs managed by Express Entry:

The candidates are obliged to create an online profile and submit it to the Express Entry pool where they are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the top rankings are then invited to apply for permanent residency, aligning with Canada's aim to admit skilled people to the country to boost its economy and social progress.

Why STEM Occupations Became A Part Of Express Entry

STEM occupations were chosen because of the following reasons:

• Skill Gap: Canada faces a serious skills deficit in STEM areas because of the high rates of retirement and the fast pace of technological development.

• Job Vacancies: At the end of 2022, there were 56,915 job vacancies in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical services.

• Investments in Tech: The 2023 Federal Budget has a $20 billion allocation for clean electricity and infrastructure, raising the need for tech workers.

• Growing AI Sector: Canada's AI sector is increasing, extending its necessity for tech professionals. It is currently in fourth place worldwide in terms of AI competitiveness.

• Higher Salaries: STEM jobs bring high salaries, with an average of $90,252 in 2021, which is way above the national average, and STEM wages are still growing, still higher than the other sectors.

Advantages Of Joining STEM-Specific Draws

Joining STEM-specific draws provides several benefits for professionals looking to move to Canada:

• These draws make it easier for the experts from the high-demand fields to get through the Express Entry system.

• Those who win the draws can get many job opportunities in Canada's booming tech industry and grow professionally.

• STEM professionals are the main contributors to innovation and technological progress and have a great impact on the future of the economy of Canada.

Latest STEM Draw 

Here is a glimpse of the latest STEM Express Entry Draw:

Eligibility Criteria For STEM

To be eligible for a STEM-oriented draw, you need to have at least six months of relevant work in the last three years. This experience can be from Canada or elsewhere, and your job duties should match the roles listed in specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes:

Importance Of CRS Score

Even for candidates in STEM occupations, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score counts a lot. However, the CRS score for a STEM-specific draw is usually less than the score for the other all-program draws. For STEM candidates who have a low CRS score, the Provincial Nominee Program can boost their chances a lot. A PNP nomination signifies 600 points on the CRS score, practically assuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Additional Considerations

If you are chosen in a STEM-specific draw, you need standard documentation, but it should clearly show at least six months of STEM experience in the past three years.

If your spouse qualifies for a STEM-specific draw, they have to create their own Express Entry profile as the principal applicant to get an ITA. A spouse's qualification does not include their partner's profile.

The maintenance of STEM-specific draws and other categories within Express Entry is based on the policies and labor market needs of the Canadian government, which are reviewed and reported annually.

Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of STEM in the Express Entry system reflects a change in the Canadian immigration policy to attract professionals in critical sectors. Thus, Canada is not only solving the issues of the immediate skill gaps but also improving its global competitiveness in science and technology. It creates a unique opportunity for skilled workers to take advantage of their expertise for a permanent residency in a country that appreciates their contributions and gives them a chance to grow their careers.