Throughout the remainder of 2023 and possibly beyond, Canada intends to give preference to individuals with expertise in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. As part of this initiative, close to thirty percent of Express Entry invitations will be extended to workers in the STEM fields.
The new category-based Express Entry draws introduced earlier this summer will bring benefits to various professionals, including healthcare workers, trades persons, transportation staff, and agriculture laborers. The distribution of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) is outlined as follows:
- STEM workers will receive 28-31 percent of ITAs.
- French-speaking candidates, irrespective of their industry, will be allocated 11-15 percent of ITAs.
- Healthcare professionals will be granted 9-12 percent of ITAs.
- Trades workers will receive 3-4 percent of ITAs.
- Transportation and agriculture workers will each be allocated 1-2 percent of ITAs.
- The remaining ITAs, approximately 40 percent, will be dispersed among candidates from other sectors. Canada will continue to conduct draws that encompass a broader spectrum of categories and programs. In fact, an Express Entry draw on August 15 invited 4,300 candidates under this approach.
To qualify for a category-based draw, individuals must meet either of these criteria: attain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in French or possess at least six months of eligible work experience within the past three years.
What exactly is a STEM worker?
STEM workers encompass professionals and technicians employed in roles associated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Their responsibilities span diverse fields including research, development, data analysis, and beyond.
Frequently, the demand for STEM workers is robust due to the continuously changing job landscape. They hold a pivotal position in driving technological progress, tackling intricate challenges, and molding the trajectory of various industries.
Significantly, as we progress through 2023 with the Express Entry system, it’s crucial to note that targeted draws will not be substituting other types of Express Entry draws. Throughout the remainder of the year, we can expect to witness a coexistence of targeted draws along with:
- Draws for all programs (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program)
- Draws specific to particular programs
- Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws