Canada Announces First STEM Category-Based Selection Round
The Canadian government is set to launch its first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) category-based selection round the week of July 5th. STEM category-based selection aims to attract top global talent and solidify Canada’s position as a leader in research, development, and innovation.
First STEM Category Draw to Take Place Next Week
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, made the announcement this week, stating that the round will open during the week of July 5th.
The primary objective of this initiative is to address the increasing demand for STEM professionals and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement. Candidates with expertise in fields such as data science, software development, programming, mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering will be prioritized in the selection draw.
This move aligns with the Canadian government’s efforts to overcome STEM workforce labor challenges and further reinforces its commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional individuals. It also builds upon the recent introduction of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing Canada’s global competitiveness in the technology sector.
In a previous announcement by the Honourable Minister Fraser, the new Express Entry category-based selection was introduced. This selection method targets labor needs that align with specific economic goals and aims to bolster Francophone immigration by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language proficiency to apply for permanent residence.
“Canada’s ability to remain at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics depends largely on our country’s ability to recruit top talent from around the world” stated the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. He expressed enthusiasm about the STEM category-based selection round, emphasizing its potential to enhance access to permanent residency for skilled workers with STEM backgrounds. Minister Fraser further emphasized the government’s eagerness to welcome these talented and innovative newcomers to Canada.
The STEM category-based selection rounds will occur alongside the general invitation rounds throughout the year, with additional details to be disclosed in the forthcoming weeks. STEM category-based draws builds as well on the recent lauch of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy. These initiatives collectively represent Canada’s concerted effort to bridge the skills gap, facilitate economic growth, and foster a thriving environment for scientific and technological advancements in the country.
Which NOCs are Being Targeted for STEM Category-Based Draws?
There are a total of 24 occupations eligible for the STEM category-based draws:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Architects | 21200 | 1 |
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 | 0 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 | 1 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 1 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 | 0 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 | 1 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 | 1 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 | 1 |
| Data scientists | 21211 | 1 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 | 1 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 | 1 |
| Engineering managers | 20010 | 0 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 | 1 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 | 1 |
| Land surveyors | 21203 | 1 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 | 1 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries | 21210 | 1 |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers | 21322 | 1 |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers | 41400 | 1 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 | 1 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 | 1 |
| Urban and land use planners | 21202 | 1 |
| Web designers | 21233 | 1 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 | 1 |
Category-Based Selection Will Help to Meet 2023 – 2025 Immigration Targets
Immigration has been a key strategy for the Canadian government to help address labour market shortages. The current immigration plan also aims to attract the skills required to fill critical sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology sectors. Category-based draws will help to address these shortages by allowing the government to target roles and industries facing the most severe shortages.
Over the next three years, Canada will increase the number of new immigrants to the country each year. Canada will aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. And it will again rise in 2025 to 500,000 new immigrants.
Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool through a category-based selection? Complete our free online assessment form today!
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