Canada announces first-ever Express Entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience

François-Philippe Champagne

FEDERAL Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Wednesday announced the first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) round for category-based selection will open the week of July 5.

This focus on candidates with STEM expertise – including data scientists, software developers and programmers, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers – will help Canada’s science and technology sector, bringing in the skilled talent that businesses need to drive innovation and achieve their growth potential.

Champagne said this announcement signals a momentous milestone in Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and solidifying its position as a leader in research, development, and innovation. By inviting more skilled workers in these professions, category-based selection supports Canada’s commitment to welcome in-demand professionals into communities across the country.

Alongside general invitation rounds, these category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

This announcement advances the Government of Canada’s efforts to retain and recruit top candidates to address STEM workforce challenges, and builds on the recent launch of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy.

Fraser said: “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.”

Champagne added: “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.”

 

Quick Facts:

  • Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
  • In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
  • On May 31, 2023, Minister Fraser announced the first-ever launch of category-based selection, a new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents.
  • The categories were determined following extensive consultations with provincial and territorial partners, stakeholders and the public, as well as a review of labour market needs. A complete list of eligible jobs for the new categories is available on our website.
  • Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth, helping to addresses labour shortages in key sectors.
  • Under the Canada–Québec Accord, Quebec establishes its own immigration levels. From 2018 to 2022, admissions under the Federal High-Skilled program accounted for between 34% and 40% of overall French-speaking admissions outside Quebec.

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