Express Entry: STEM Category Draws Explained

Aug 31, 2024

As a skilled worker in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), you have a unique opportunity to benefit from Canada’s Express Entry immigration system in 2024. With the majority of draws set to target category-based occupations, now is the time to take advantage of these category-based selections and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.


By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and recent draw trends, you can position yourself for success in the upcoming STEM-focused Express Entry rounds. Let’s explore how these targeted draws work and what steps you can take to maximize your prospects of being invited to apply.


What are Express Entry STEM Category Draws?


  • Targeted selections: IRCC conducts category-based Express Entry draws to meet specific economic goals, inviting candidates with in-demand skills and experience.


  • STEM focus: STEM occupations are one of the categories eligible for targeted draws, allowing Canada to prioritize candidates with relevant STEM experience.


  • Experience-based invitations: In STEM-specific draws, candidates are invited based on their STEM work experience rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.


Eligibility for Express Entry STEM Draws


  • Work experience criteria: To qualify, candidates must have at least 6 months of eligible work experience within the past 3 years in a STEM occupation, either in Canada or abroad.


  • NOC alignment: Work experience must align with specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes designated as STEM occupations.


  • Express Entry eligibility: Candidates must also meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry and be eligible for one of the programs it covers (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades).


How to Apply for STEM Express Entry Draws


Step 1: Ensure Express Entry eligibility


  • Program qualification: Candidates must qualify for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

  • Work experience requirements: Work experience requirements differ between programs, with the CEC requiring Canadian experience and FSW allowing experience from any country.


Step 2: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool


• Profile creation and submission: If eligible, candidates create and submit their Express Entry profile to enter the candidate pool.


Step 3: Your profile will be identified for STEM eligibility


• Category flagging: Profiles of candidates meeting the STEM criteria will be flagged as eligible for the category-based draw.


Step 4: Profiles are ranked and top candidates invited


• CRS ranking: Eligible STEM candidates are ranked based on their CRS scores.

• Invitations issued: In STEM-specific draws, top-ranking candidates meeting the minimum CRS cut-off for that round of invitation conducted for the specific occupation will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).


Why Taking Advantage of Category-Specific Draws is Crucial


Taking advantage of category-specific draws for STEM occupations is highly beneficial because these draws align with Canada’s economic priorities. In 2024, over 70% of the IRCC draws will focus on these occupations, and this trend is expected to continue through 2025 and 2026. This strategic focus means that candidates in STEM fields have a much higher probability of receiving an ITA compared to non-targeted draws.


By participating in these category-specific draws, candidates benefit from a more streamlined and predictable pathway to Canadian permanent residency. This approach ensures that the draws cater to candidates with the skills and experience in high demand within Canada’s evolving job market, enhancing their prospects of selection. STEM professionals should act now to take advantage of this favorable immigration landscape.


Preparing Your Express Entry Profile and PR Application for Success


When preparing for these category-specific draws, it is essential to not only meet the minimum eligibility criteria but also to meticulously prepare your Express Entry profile and subsequent permanent residency application. Demonstrating eligibility for STEM draws requires a comprehensive showcase of your relevant employment experience. This should include extensive evidence such as paystubs, official tax filings, and properly drafted employment letters that accurately reflect your role and responsibilities within a STEM occupation.


Detailed Documentation: Key to Demonstrating STEM Experience


1. Paystubs: Providing regular paystubs not only demonstrates continuous employment but also substantiates the level of your professional engagement in your STEM occupation.

2. Official Tax Filings: These documents offer verifiable proof of your employment history and earnings, which are critical for establishing credibility and authenticity in your application.

3. Employment Letters: Draft detailed employment letters that include your job title, detailed job description, duration of employment, and hours worked per week. These letters should be on official company letterhead and signed by authorized personnel to ensure their validity.


By ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and comprehensive, applicants can effectively demonstrate their eligibility for the targeted draws and increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence under the STEM category.


Recent STEM Express Entry Draw Results


Draw frequency: IRCC has held 3 STEM-focused draws in 2023 and 2024.


CRS ranges: The minimum CRS score in these draws has ranged from 481 (December 2023) to 491.


Latest draw: In the latest STEM draw on April 11, 2024, 4,500 candidates were invited with scores of at least 491.


Conclusion


Capitalizing on the opportunity presented by the category-specific draws for STEM occupations in the Express Entry system is truly vital for skilled workers from the listed occupations seeking to immigrate to Canada. With IRCC’s focus on these draws projected to remain high in the coming years, STEM professionals should prepare their profiles meticulously, ensuring all documentation is in order. This careful preparation not only positions candidates for success in the initial Express Entry pool but also strengthens their overall application for Canadian permanent residence.


Blacksy Immigration Law Firm specializes in Canada's several Permanent Residency Pathways, including the Express Entry system and its evolving categories. We can guide you through the process, ensuring that your application meets all necessary criteria and maximizes your chances of success. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can support you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.


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About the Author


I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 


At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.


Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.


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