Targeted Express Entry Draw: IRCC Issued PR to 500 Candidates on July 5, 2023

In the latest Express Entry draw, which specifically targeted STEM occupations, a total of 500 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) were sent out. It is important to note that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff has increased by 10 points, now reaching 486. This change in cutoff score is in comparison to the previous draw, which focused on Healthcare occupations and took place on June 28.

We are pleased to share the comprehensive details of the recently announced STEM occupations targeted Express Entry draw:

• The number of invitations issued in this draw: 500.
• Candidates with a rank of 500 or above were invited to apply.
• The draw took place on July 05, 2023, at 13:38:22 UTC.
• The lowest CRS score was 486.
• The tie-breaking rule applied in this draw was based on the timestamp of November 23, 2022, at 00:01:29 UTC.
• These details provide a transparent overview of the draw, allowing individuals to better understand the outcomes and criteria used in the selection process.

Overview of Previous Draws

As anticipated, the recent Express Entry draw focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals aligns with the prior announcement made by IRCC last week. This marks the first-ever category-based selection draw for individuals in STEM occupations.

Furthermore, IRCC has announced an additional draw for this week. In this round, 1,500 healthcare workers will be invited to apply for permanent residence, further emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address the needs and priorities within the healthcare sector.

On June 28, the most recent category-based draw took place, inviting 500 healthcare workers to apply for permanent residency. Notably, this draw had a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476, which happens to be the lowest CRS score requirement in any Express Entry draw thus far in 2023.

In a surprising turn of events, on July 4, IRCC conducted another draw that invited 700 candidates through an all-program selection. This draw considered candidates from the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The minimum CRS score required for this draw was set at 511.

 Eligible STEM Occupations

According to a recent news release, IRCC has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with STEM experience. By doing so, Canada aims to address the increasing need for talent and fill crucial positions that play a vital role in the country’s economic growth and technological advancement. This strategic focus on STEM professionals highlights the importance of harnessing their expertise to meet the evolving demands of various industries and foster innovation in Canada.

The following occupations are eligible under the STEM draw:

1. Architects
2. Architecture and science managers
3. Business systems specialists
4. Civil Engineers
5. Computer and information systems managers
6. Computer engineers (excluding software engineers and designers)
7. Computer systems developers and programmers
8. Cyber security specialists
9. Data scientists
10. Database analysts and data administrators
11. Electrical and electronics engineers
12. Engineering managers
13. Industrial and manufacturing engineers
14. Information systems specialists
15. Land surveyors
16. Landscape Architects
17. Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
18. Metallurgical and materials engineers
19. Policy analysts, consultants, and program directors in natural and applied sciences
20. Software developers and programmers
21. Software engineers and designers
22. Urban and land use planners
23. Web designers
24. Web developers and programmers

These occupations have been identified as integral to meeting the demands of Canada’s evolving economy and technological landscape.

Selected Categories

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, declared on May 31 that new category-based selection standards for Express Entry drawings had been finalized. The selected categories are as follows:

• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• Trades, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Strong French-language proficiency

The introduction of category-based selection draws has been anticipated since June 2022 when changes were made to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by the Government of Canada. These changes allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that align with Canada’s economic priorities, such as specific work experience to address labor market gaps or proficiency in the French language.

FAQs Related to Category–Based Draw

What are the primary eligibility criteria for a Candidate who not holds the Express Entry?

Candidates who are selected to receive invitations in a category-based selection draw must meet certain eligibility criteria. One of the primary requirements is that they must be part of the Express Entry application pool, which is managed by the Express Entry system. This means that candidates must have submitted their profiles through one of the Express Entry managed programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Can I Qualify With a Low CRS Score?

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a category-based selection approach for issuing invitations to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. Under this approach, candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the specific category requirements will be ranked, and the top-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Similar to regular draws, eligible candidates will be assessed and ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

When IRCC Conducted Category–Based Draws in the Future?

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) operate under the discretion of the Immigration Minister when it comes to conducting Express Entry draws. The IRCC does not have a set mandate to hold draws on a specific schedule or to invite a predetermined number of candidates through any particular program or category.

The timing and occurrence of the Express Entry draw are determined by the Immigration Minister, taking into consideration Canada’s economic priorities and the promotion of the French language. This means that draws can be conducted at any time and for any category, depending on the Minister’s direction and objectives.

Does Each Category Have Different Eligibility Criteria?

To be eligible for one of the five occupation-specific categories, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Accumulated Work Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of 6 months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, within the past 3 years.
2. Adherence to Instructions: Candidates must meet all the requirements outlined in the instructions provided for that particular round.

For candidates who are invited based on strong French language proficiency, there are additional requirements:

1. French Language Proficiency: Candidates must provide French-language test results that demonstrate a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
2. Compliance with Instructions: Candidates invited based on their French language proficiency must also meet all the other requirements specified in the instructions for that particular round.