On April 11, 2024, IRCC announced the latest Express Entry Draw under the category-based selection draw for STEM occupations. This draw, the first of 2024 for STEM occupations, issued 4,500 invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Following this, the second draw of April occurred on April 10, 2024, under the general category, inviting 1,280 potential candidates to apply for Canada PR with a minimum CRS score of 549.
The Express Entry system operates on a point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to transparently rank candidates in the pool. To receive an invitation, candidates typically need a minimum CRS score, such as the recent requirement of 491. The Canadian government periodically conducts draws from the pool, inviting selected candidates to apply for permanent residency. These draws target candidates from economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system, facilitating immigration to Canada.
To qualify for the category-based draw in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations, candidates are required to have:
- A minimum of six months of continuous full-time work experience in one of the occupations from the National Occupation Classification (NOC) list within the last three years. Or an equivalent work experience from part-time work.
- The experience must have been obtained from Canada or any other country abroad
- Meet all the criteria required in the round
These are the skill categories from which a candidate can receive an invitation to apply:
- Skilled Workers in Healthcare
- Tech Professionals
- International Graduates in STEM Fields
- Tradespeople in High-Demand Occupations
- Workers in Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Francophone Workers
