Canada's Express Entry system is now configured to offer a simplified and effective pathway for people with knowledge in these crucial sectors, in recognition of the enormous value and transformative potential that STEM workers bring to the nation. Canada seeks to fulfil the rising demand for talent and fill critical roles that support the development of the economy and of technology by giving priority to the invitation of qualified immigrants with experience in the STEM fields.
Canada's major industries are all suffering from a labour shortage, which is being filled in part by immigration. Minister Fraser revealed new category-based selection adjustments to Express Entry last month. These improvements strengthen Francophone immigration by allowing applicants with particular job experience or linguistic proficiency to apply for permanent residence, helping to fulfil the labour needs that support a specified economic goal.
The first STEM round for category-based selection will begin the week of July 5, according to an announcement made today by the honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, on behalf of the honourable Minister Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. This emphasis on hiring people with STEM backgrounds, such as data scientists, software developers and programmers, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers, will benefit Canada's science and technology sector by attracting the qualified workers that companies require to spur innovation and realise their full growth potential.
This news marks an important turning point in Canada's efforts to draw outstanding talent from around the world and strengthen its status as a pioneer in R&D and innovation. Category-based selection promotes Canada's aim to welcome in-demand professionals into communities around the country by accepting more skilled people in these professions. These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year in addition to the general invitation rounds, and further information will be released in the upcoming weeks.
This announcement builds on the recent unveiling of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy and enhances the Government of Canada's initiatives to retain and attract top candidates to address STEM workforce problems.
“Canada’s ability to remain at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics depends largely on our country’s ability to recruit top talent from around the world. I’m excited to announce this STEM category-based selection round with my colleague, Minster Champagne, which will increase access to permanent residence for skilled workers with STEM experience. We look forward to welcoming these talented and innovative newcomers to our country.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“One of Canada's greatest strengths is its ability to attract talent. This new STEM-focused category-based selection round will support our science and technology sector and its workforce, by attracting even more of the skilled talent that companies need to drive innovation and realize their growth potential. Combining its unparalleled ability to attract talent with the innovative capacity of its entrepreneurs, Canada is the best place in the world to start and scale a technology company.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick facts:
For those looking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, the Federal Skilled Trades Programme, the Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programme, Express Entry is Canada's leading application management system.
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act was amended by the Canadian government in June 2022 to permit the selection of immigrants based on essential characteristics that assist economic priorities, such as specialised work experience or fluency in French.
The first-ever implementation of category-based selection, a new procedure to accept qualified immigrants with work experience in key jobs as permanent residents, was announced by Minister Fraser on May 31, 2023.
Following thorough talks with partners from the provinces and territories, stakeholders, and members of the public, as well as an evaluation of market demands, the categories were established. On our website, you may find a comprehensive list of the positions that qualify for the new categories.
Nearly all of Canada's labour force growth is due to immigration, which helps to fill manpower gaps in important industries.
The Canada-Québec Accord allows Quebec to set its own immigration thresholds. Between 2018 and 2022, 34% to 40% of all French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec were made via the Federal High-Skilled programme.
source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/06/canada-announces-first-ever-express-entry-invitations-for-skilled-newcomers-with-stem-experience.html