IRCC has defined six categories for special express entry draws based on the occupations list defined by the Canadian labour market.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM ) is one of them. The thought behind this is that STEM occupations should not wait so long in the express entry process.
With the IRCC STEM occupation category, research centres call for scientists, and universities call for professors, who play the most important role in the Canadian economy. Waiting for these can affect the progress of major science projects or education systems; hence, the STEM category is one of the most valuable categories in Canadian Immigration.
Express Entry Draws For STEM Occupations
The first STEM express entry draw took place on July 5, 2023, the second on December 8, 2023, and in 2024, only one took place on April 11. To date, Canada has had three STEM category express entry draws.
1st STEM Express Entry Draw
Number of invitations issued: 500
Category: STEM occupations (Version 1)
Date and Time of Round: July 05, 2023 13:38:22 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 486
2nd STEM Express Entry Draw
Number of invitations issued: 5,900
Category: STEM occupations (Version 1)
Date and Time of Round: December 08, 2023 at 03:02:52 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 481
3rd STEM Express Entry Draw
Number of invitations issued: 4,500
Category: STEM occupations (Version 1)
Date and Time of Round: April 11, 2024 at 13:23:42 UTC
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 491
Express Entry Requirements For STEM Occupations Canada
To apply for STEM Canada immigration, you must apply for any of three economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class Program
Each imigration program has its requirements, but to become eligible for STEM express entry, you must follow the following:
- Have at least 6 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the past 3 years in any occupation from the STEM occupation list.
- Maintain a CRS score greater than the cut-off.
- Your occupation must be mentioned in the latest express entry draw.
Canada Immigration Minister Talking in MBAerospace For STEM Workers Need In Canada
Recently, the Immigration Minister visited the Manitoba Aerospace Centre, where he measured the needs of aerospace engineers and other STEM occupations in Canada.
The STEM category in Canadian immigration drives Canada's economic and technological growth.
By prioritising skilled workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Canada aims to fill critical labour shortages, particularly in sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Clean Energy.
People Immigrated To Canada Through STEM Occupations
- Taigo Braccialli, a Senior Engineering Manager in Vendasta, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was a Brazilian resident who immigrated to Canada under the STEM occupation list.
- Natasha Dhayagude, CEO at Chinova Bioworks, is a well-known entrepreneur who immigrated to Canada from India (Pune) and has shared his role in Canadian economic growth.
- Jianyi Dong, Geologist and passive solar greenhouse expert, used solar greenhouse technology to grow vegetables in Alberta, Canada.
STEM Category NOC Code List | A1, A2 & A3
The STEM category is a group of occupations related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as defined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most of these come under TEER categories 0 & 1, highly skilled workers in in-demand occupations.
IRCC STEM category has 24 occupations which has been defined in following 3 sections:
A1 - STEM - Science and Science Technology
| NOC Code | STEM Occupation List Canada |
| 20011 | Architecture and science managers |
| 21100 | Physicists and astronomers |
| 21101 | Chemists |
| 21102 | Geoscientists and oceanographers |
| 21103 | Meteorologists and climatologists |
| 21109 | Other professional occupations in physical sciences |
| 21110 | Biologists and related scientists |
| 21112 | Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists |
| 22100 | Chemical technologists and technicians |
| 22101 | Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
| 22110 | Biological technologists and technicians |
A2 - STEM - Engineering and Engineering Technology
| NOC Code | STEM Occupation List Canada |
| 20010 | Engineering managers |
| 21300 | Civil engineers |
| 21301 | Mechanical engineers |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 21320 | Chemical engineers |
| 21321 | Industrial and manufacturing engineers |
| 21322 | Metallurgical and materials engineers |
| 21330 | Mining engineers |
| 21331 | Geological engineers |
| 21332 | Petroleum engineers |
| 21390 | Aerospace engineers |
| 21399 | Other professional engineers |
| 22300 | Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22301 | Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22302 | Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
A3 - STEM - Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences
| NOC Code | STEM Occupation List Canada |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21210 | Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
| 21211 | Data scientists |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists |
| 21221 | Business systems specialists |
| 21222 | Information systems specialists |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrators |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
STEM Vs STEAM
STEM Canada: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. An interdisciplinary approach to education that emphasises these four fields.
STEAM stands for science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Integrating the arts into STEM encourages creative thinking and applied arts skills, allowing students to approach real-life situations with innovation. This benefits engineering education, as engineers require creative problem-solving abilities to address complex societal challenges.
How IRCC Supports STEM occupations in Canada?
The Canadian Federal Government provides the resources and infrastructure necessary to enhance STEM education, ultimately ensuring Canada's continued innovation leadership and ability to address future challenges effectively.
The federal government supports STEM education through mentorship programs, internships, co-op placements, and funding for research and development focused on engineering to welcome Scientists in Canada .
STEM Occupation List Canada
Followings are occupations which are categorised under 3 STEM Occupation categories: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer and Information Science.
| Science and Science Technology | Engineering and Engineering Technology | Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences |
| Architecture and science managers | Engineering managers | Computer and information systems managers |
| Physicists and astronomers | Civil engineers | Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries |
| Chemists | Mechanical engineers | Data scientists |
| Geoscientists and oceanographers | Electrical and electronics engineers | Cybersecurity specialists |
| Meteorologists and climatologists | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Business systems specialists |
| Other professional occupations in physical sciences | Chemical engineers | Information systems specialists |
| Biologists and related scientists | Industrial and manufacturing engineers | Database analysts and data administrators |
| Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists | Metallurgical and materials engineers | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| Chemical technologists and technicians | Mining engineers | Software engineers and designers |
| Geological and mineral technologists and technicians | Geological engineers | Software developers and programmers |
| Biological technologists and technicians | Petroleum engineers | Web developers and programmers |
| Computer network and web technicians | ||
| Information systems testing technicians |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the STEM category is a valuable pathway for skilled workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. Several draws have occurred, each with varying invitation numbers and CRS score cutoffs. Meeting specific work experience and program requirements is crucial for eligibility.
Pro-Tip: Avoid these common mistakes many STEM workers make before applying for the Express Entry process.
References:
Express Entry Rounds For Category Based Draws
STEM Occupation Matters For Canada Immigration