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Canada has made a groundbreaking announcement, introducing its first-ever Express Entry invitation exclusively for skilled newcomers with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experience. This tailored initiative aims to meet the rising demand for talent, fill key positions, and drive economic growth and technological advancement in the country.
Inviting Newcomers with STEM Experience
Minister Sean Fraser, responsible for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, expressed excitement for the STEM category-based selection round.
He emphasized the importance of recruiting top global talent, stating:
"Canada’s ability to remain at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics depends on our country's capacity to attract the best talent worldwide."
The first STEM round for category-based selection will commence from July 5. This invitation round targets data scientists, software developers, mathematicians, statisticians, actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers. By inviting skilled workers in these high-demand fields, Canada aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and unlock the nation's full potential.
Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, highlighted Canada's innovative prowess, affirming that the STEM-focused initiative will boost the science and technology sector by attracting highly skilled professionals.
He stated:
"Canada's exceptional ability to attract talent, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit of its innovators, makes it the premier destination worldwide for technology startups and expansion."
Who is Eligible?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the occupations eligible for the STEM category-based draw are as follows:
| Eligible Occupations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Architects | Architecture and Science Managers | Business Systems Specialists |
| Civil Engineers | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers) |
| Computer Systems Developers and Programmers | Cybersecurity Specialists | Data Scientists |
| Database Analysts and Data Administrators | Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Engineering Managers | Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers |
| Information Systems Specialists | Land Surveyors | Landscape Architects |
| Mathematicians | Statisticians and Actuaries | Metallurgical and Materials Engineers |
| Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers | Software Developers and Programmers | Software Engineers and Designers |
| Urban and Land Use Planners | Web Designers | Web Developers and Programmers |
Additionally, "To be eligible, you must have accumulated, within the past three years, at least six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) in a single occupation listed," the IRCC said.
Internationally Trained Medical Staff Welcomed
Canada has taken significant steps to address the shortage of healthcare workers by inviting internationally trained medical staff to work in the country. In a recent announcement, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser revealed that Canada invited 500 healthcare workers through its first occupation-specific draw under the Express Entry system. This draw, which took place on Wednesday, featured a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476, 10 points lower than the previous all-program draw. Calculate your own CRS scores.
This decision is part of Canada's efforts to prioritize certain sectors facing severe labor shortages, with healthcare being the first sector to benefit from this new approach.
We are bringing more healthcare workers to Canada. Today, 500 skilled healthcare workers will be invited to immigrate to Canada, and on July 5, we will invite 1,500 more."
Healthcare workers are in high demand in Canada, and they constitute 35 of the 82 targeted occupations in the occupation-focused Express Entry draws, which were announced on May 31. These draws aim to make the Express Entry system more responsive to the country's labor market needs.
The targeted occupations include various healthcare professions such as:
- General practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Specialists in surgery, among others.
Healthcare Workers Face Fewer Restrictions to Work in Canada
The Canadian government has also made it easier for internationally trained physicians and nurses to immigrate to the country. In April, several job offers and work experience criteria were waived for internationally trained physicians, allowing them to qualify for federal economic permanent residence programs managed by Express Entry, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The changes also modified the Comprehensive Ranking System to award more points for Canadian work experience and arranged employment.
Additionally, licensing bodies in different provinces have updated their licensing requirements to facilitate the registration and licensure process for internationally trained healthcare professionals. For example, the Nurses Association of New Brunswick has introduced new pathways for registering internationally educated nurses, reducing processing times and streamlining the application process. Nursing associations have undertaken similar initiatives in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Canada's proactive approach to attracting and integrating internationally trained healthcare professionals demonstrates its commitment to addressing labor shortages in the healthcare sector. By welcoming many healthcare workers through the Express Entry system and easing licensing requirements, Canada aims to enhance its healthcare workforce and provide quality care to its residents.
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Fostering Technological Advancement
This groundbreaking program, particularly focused on STEM fields, seeks to attract highly skilled newcomers through the Express Entry system. Canada aims to fill key positions, meet the growing demand for talent, and stimulate economic growth by inviting professionals in high-demand areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This initiative underscores Canada's commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements and reinforces its position as a global research, development, and innovation leader.
The category-based selection rounds, alongside general invitation rounds, will continue throughout the year, welcoming skilled professionals into communities nationwide.
Express Entry, Canada's premier application management system for immigration programs, will facilitate the entry of these talented individuals.
Immigration is crucial in addressing labor shortages in key sectors. Canada's proactive approach in attracting top candidates is evident with the launch of the STEM-focused Express Entry invitation. This initiative further strengthens the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy and signifies the government's dedication to retaining and recruiting exceptional talent to address STEM workforce challenges.
Canada's commitment to welcoming skilled professionals in STEM fields marks a significant milestone, pushing the country toward a prosperous future and fostering a vibrant culture of innovation.
