The Canadian government has announced key changes to the Express Entry system that will make it easier for skilled immigrants in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields to migrate to Canada.
As per the new update, a total of 11 occupations will be given priority for selection in upcoming Express Entry draws. These all fall under the high-demand STEM domain.
The 11 occupations that will benefit are - computer engineers, computer programmers, software engineers, web designers, database analysts, electronics engineers, computer and information systems managers, mathematicians, statisticians, information systems analysts, and financial and investment analysts.
Applicants belonging to any of these professions will be given first preference in upcoming Express Entry invitation rounds. They will benefit from a boost in their ranking scores under the Comprehensive Ranking System used to assess candidates.
This move will significantly improve the chances of selection for STEM professionals under programs like Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
The change comes at a time when Canada is facing an acute shortage of skilled technology professionals. The country aims to welcome over 1.3 million new immigrants between 2022-2025 with STEM workers being top priority.
The immigration minister Sean Fraser stated that supporting STEM workers is critical for Canada’s innovation and continued economic growth. This targeted selection approach will ensure Canada attracts the best international tech talent.
The new changes take effect immediately and are seen as a positive step to accelerate Canada’s high-skilled immigration, especially in key technology domains. It presents a big opportunity for STEM professionals worldwide looking to migrate to Canada for exciting technology careers and promising futures. Unlocking Opportunities: Canada's Express Entry Opens Doors for Skilled Trades.
Canada has taken a big step by recently launching its first-ever Express Entry draw, specifically aimed at people with skills in trades. On August 3rd, the Canadian immigration department (IRCC) invited 1,500 tradespeople, such as carpenters, plumbers, and welders, to apply for permanent residency. To qualify, they needed a minimum score of 388 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This new approach, focusing on skilled trades, is designed to help Canada deal with a shortage of workers in important construction jobs. The construction industry is facing challenges due to many older workers retiring and not enough new workers joining in various parts of the country. The targeted Express Entry draws aim to attract skilled foreign workers more effectively to fill these important gaps.
This significant change began on May 31st, when Canada introduced a new way of selecting candidates for Express Entry. This change goes beyond just looking at CRS scores. Apart from the new trades category, there are also draws for healthcare workers, people in STEM fields (like science and technology), jobs in agriculture and food, French speakers, and those working in transportation.
The draw for trades on August 3rd was the first of its kind. However, IRCC had already conducted similar draws for healthcare, STEM, and French-speaking candidates in previous months. The required CRS scores ranged from 375 to 486, showing the different needs of each category.
At the same time, regular Express Entry draws that are open to people from all backgrounds continue to happen every two weeks. The most recent one on August 1st saw 2,000 invitations being given out, with a minimum CRS score of 517.
For international students interested in eventually moving to Canada through Express Entry, it's important to see which category they could qualify for. Getting work experience in Canada in a field that is in demand can greatly improve the chances of receiving an invitation in future draws that focus on specific categories.
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