Canada Invites STEM Candidates in Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the second Express Entry draw of the week, inviting candidates in STEM occupations. The department issued 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection draw for candidates in STEM fields, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 required for consideration.

This draw marked the first invitation round for candidates in STEM occupations in 2024. It followed a general draw held the previous day, April 10, where IRCC invited 1,280 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 549, the highest minimum score of the year.

The CRS score required in general draws has fluctuated over time. The first draw of the year, on January 10, necessitated a CRS score of at least 546. Subsequent general draw scores have decreased, with the last one on March 25 inviting 1,980 candidates with a CRS score of 524.

Unlike category-based selection draws, which target candidates with specific skills or attributes, general draws consider applicants from all three Express Entry-managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In these draws, a high CRS score is the primary factor determining a candidate's likelihood of receiving an ITA.

Category-based selection draws, introduced in May 2023, allow IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills or attributes more effectively. The department has confirmed six categories for 2024, including healthcare occupations, STEM professions, trades occupations, transport occupations, agriculture and agri-food occupations, and strong French proficiency. To be eligible for category-based selection, candidates must already have an application in the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry is a system managing applications for three of Canada's primary economic immigration programs: the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP. Applicants are evaluated based on factors such as work experience, occupation, language ability, age, and education. Each factor is assigned a score, which is then totaled to determine a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those with the highest scores are most likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

One of the key advantages of Express Entry is the expedited processing of applications. IRCC has a service standard of six months for 80% of all Express Entry applications. However, some cases may take longer, especially those involving complex situations.