On May 31, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, stated that IRCC had completed category-based selection criteria for Express Entry lotteries, one of which includes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations. The categories were determined using labor market projections and conversations with IRCC partners and stakeholders, as well as provincial and territorial governments.
Anticipated since June 2022, category-based selection draws have been on the horizon ever since the Government of Canada modified the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These changes enabled the selection of immigrants based on essential qualities that align with Canada’s economic objectives, including specific work experience to address labor market shortages and proficiency in the French language.
STEM NOC Codes and Occupations for Express Entry Category-Based Selection
According to a recent press release from IRCC, Canada’s focus on prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with STEM expertise is aimed at addressing the increasing need for talented individuals and filling crucial positions that drive the country’s economic expansion and technological progress.
Occupations eligible for consideration under the STEM draw consist of:
| Occupation | 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 |
Can I Be Considered If I Have STEM Work Experience but I Am Not an Express Entry Candidate?
No. Candidates who get invites in a category-based selection draw must have applied through an Express Entry controlled program such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
Are You Interested in Applying to the STEM Occupations Express Entry Stream?
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