Canada’s Express Entry system has consistently prioritized skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, recent changes in immigration priorities—focusing more on trades, healthcare, and French-speaking candidates—have led to questions about the future of the STEM category. Will it still be part of Express Entry in 2025? Here’s a closer look at what these changes could mean for skilled workers planning to immigrate to Canada.
Current Status of STEM in Canada (2023-2024)
In 2023, Canada faced a serious problem: over 50,000 job vacancies in STEM fields. To address this shortcoming, the IRCC introduced category-based Express Entry draws that targeted immigrants with specific qualifications, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
These draws targeted immigrants with specific qualifications, education, work experience, and language proficiency in key STEM occupations.
Eligible STEM Occupations:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Architects | 21200 |
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Engineering managers | 20010 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Land surveyors | 21203 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries | 21210 |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers | 21322 |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers | 41400 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Urban and land use planners | 21202 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
Challenges and Uncertainties for STEM Category
Despite the introduction of the STEM category, only three draws have occurred in the past year, with minimum CRS scores of 481, 486, and 491. This indicates high competition and a limited number of ITAs issued. Here is the summary of the previous STEM draws:
| Round | Draw Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| 293 | April 11, 2024 | STEM occupations (Version 1) | 4,500 | 491 |
| 274 | December 8, 2023 | STEM occupations (Version 1) | 5,900 | 481 |
| 254 | July 5, 2023 | STEM occupations (Version 1) | 500 | 486 |
Then, there is the government plan to remove points for job offers in some immigration applications from this year. While this does create some uncertainty for tech workers who came through ICT Work Permits, it also decreases the overall CRS score for the STEM category.
This may benefit STEM candidates with a Master’s degree and 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field but do not have a job offer from within the country.
Alternatively, STEM candidates may still qualify for job offer points through treaty work permits, which could help them get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Are You an Eligible STEM Professional?
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Future Outlook (2025 and Beyond)
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 indicates a shift in priorities towards trades, healthcare, and French-speaking immigrants. This shift is likely driven by labour shortages in these sectors and the need to address regional economic demands.
The good news? The STEM category isn’t off the table. If you are under 30, possess double post-secondary education, have at least three years of work experience, and potentially one to two years of experience in Canada, expect a score of above 490 – 500, which is just at the cutoff.
However, it’s unclear whether STEM-specific draws will continue at the same scale in Express Entry for 2025 and beyond. Much will depend on future labour market needs. That said, it is safe to say the STEM category may no longer dominate the way it has in recent years.
Alternative Pathways for STEM Professionals
If you’re a STEM professional aiming for Canadian PR, consider these alternative pathways:
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
There are several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) specifically for Tech professionals. These programs allow provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta to nominate individuals based on the STEM needs of their regional labour markets. Promising programs include:
- BC PNP Tech: This program targets tech professionals with skills and experience aligned with British Columbia’s thriving tech sector.
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Alberta Tech: This fast-track program prioritizes in-demand tech occupations in Alberta.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Human Capital Priorities Stream: This stream targets highly skilled workers, including those in STEM fields, who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.
Another reason to consider a PNP is that a provincial nomination greatly boosts your Express Entry profile, adding up to 600 CRS points! This can drastically increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
How to Enhance Your CRS Score for STEM Category?
- Gain More Experience in Canada: If you’re already working in Canada, gaining more experience in your STEM job, can add up to 80 points to your CRS score if you’re applying alone, or 70 points if you’re applying with a spouse.
- Improve Language Proficiency: Aim for a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 8 or higher in English and/or French to maximize your points.
- Boost Your Education: If you complete recognized degrees or diplomas in Canada, you can earn up to 140 points.
Learn French: Scoring well on a French test like the TEF or TCF can add up to 50 points to your CRS score, as long as your English score is at least CLB 5. By working on these areas, you can easily bump your score up by another 100 points.
Let’s analyze these scenarios to see how they match up with the trends in the STEM draws:
Scenario 1: A 28-year-old with a Master’s degree from Canada, 2 years of Canadian work experience in software engineering, and CLB 9 in English could achieve a CRS score of around 470, increasing their chances in a STEM draw or through a PNP.
Scenario 2: David, a 32-year-old with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5 years of work experience outside Canada. He has CLB 7 in English and basic French skills (CLB 5). His initial CRS score might be around 400. If he improves his English to CLB 9 and gains 1 year of Canadian work experience, his score could jump to 460 or higher, making him more competitive.
Eligibility Requirements for STEM Category
If IRCC continues STEM-specific draws, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for each program. Here is a breakdown of the Canada STEM immigration requirements:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): You’ll need at least one continuous year of skilled work experience in any country. Other requirements include an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your qualifications and proof of language proficiency.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program requires at least 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada, equivalent to one year. These hours can be cumulative.
- TEER Classification: To qualify, your job must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.
Application Process for STEM Category
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Determine whether you qualify under FSWP or CEC, depending on your work experience and other criteria.
- Submit Your Profile: Create and submit your Express Entry profile. Be thorough in documenting your work experience, education, and language scores to ensure accuracy.
- Check Your CRS Score: Assess your ranking in the pool and identify areas where you can boost your score, such as improving language test results or gaining additional work experience.
- Get Identified for a STEM Draw: If you’re eligible, IRCC will assess your profile for category-based draws targeting STEM professionals.
- Wait for a STEM Draw: If selected, you’ll get an ITA for Canadian permanent residence. If not, consider alternate pathways like the PNP.
Take Professional Help from Licensed Experts
Regardless of policy changes, STEM fields continue to offer strong opportunities. If you’re a STEM professional, don’t give up on your goal of living in Canada. There are many ways to get there, like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and others.
Ready to explore your options and navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration? Stay informed and gain a competitive edge with Elaar Immigration. Mr. Keshav Sharma, a highly qualified Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), specializes in all types of Canadian immigration matters, including the STEM category.
For a limited time, eligible STEM candidates can take advantage of our comprehensive services starting at discounted prices. Here’s what our tailored package includes:
- Submission of a complete and accurate Express Entry profile and/or PNP Expression of Interest
- Support with preparing documents in advance in anticipation of receiving an ITA
- One-on-one ZOOM appointment with an RCIC to discuss your personalized case
- Ongoing support from an RCIC throughout the process and even after you arrive in Canada
Don’t wait! Take the first step towards transforming your aspiration of living and working in Canada into a reality.
FAQs: STEM Category
I have 6 months of work experience in a STEM occupation. Am I eligible?
While 6 months of STEM work experience is a great start, you must meet all other work requirements. This means one year of continuous work experience for FSWP or 1,560 hours of skilled work in Canada for CEC.
Does my CRS score matter in STEM draws?
Yes, your CRS score is important. While category-based draws typically have slightly lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, the competition is still fierce. The federal STEM category CRS score above 480 is highly competitive. The Provincial Nominee Program STEM CRS score may be lower.
How often will STEM draws occur?
IRCC does not follow a fixed schedule for category-based draws. Hence, there is no way to predict the next STEM category draw. However, by staying updated on the latest announcements, whether through official websites or following ELAAR Immigration, you can track Express Entry draws.
Can my spouse’s STEM qualifications help my profile?
No. The principal applicant must meet the STEM criteria. If your spouse qualifies, they should create their own Express Entry profile and may be able to include you as a dependent.
