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By Jessica Thakur October 7, 2023
Canada's immigration system is evolving to meet the country's economic and labor market needs, and one of the key areas of focus is the recruitment of skilled professionals in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a series of category-based draws in 2023 to prioritize candidates with specific work experience, and STEM jobs are high on the list. But just how many STEM workers does Canada really need, and why are they in such high demand?
A Focus on STEM
Category-based draws under the Express Entry system have gained momentum this year. These draws target candidates with particular qualifications to support Canada's economic priorities. Unlike standard Express Entry draws, which primarily consider the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, category-based draws give special attention to candidates with specific work experience. The federal government, after soliciting feedback from various stakeholders and the public, identified five priority occupational categories facing labor market shortages: healthcare, STEM, transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food.
The Rationale for Prioritizing STEM
Statistics Canada's report at the end of 2022 highlighted a significant skills gap in Canada's STEM workforce. This gap is attributed to a combination of high retirement rates and the increasing role of technology and automation in various industries. Canada's growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, in particular, has driven up demand for tech professionals, positioning Canada as the fourth most competitive country in AI innovation and investment globally.
"The 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," noted François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, when IRCC introduced the first STEM category-based draw.
Champagne emphasized Canada's unique ability to attract global talent, coupled with its innovation-friendly environment, making it an ideal hub for technology companies to thrive.
The Demand for STEM Workers
To understand the demand for STEM workers, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) relies on the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS). COPS forecasts job openings in various professions from 2022 to 2031. Here are some key projections for STEM occupations:
- Software engineers and designers: 44,300 new job openings
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers: 80,500 new job openings
- Civil engineering: 26,100 new job openings
- Mechanical engineering: 12,700 new job openings
- Industrial and manufacturing engineering: 3,800 new job openings
- Electrical and electronics engineering: 12,600 new job openings
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries: 4,600 new job openings
- Technical occupations in physical sciences: 12,200 new job openings
These numbers suggest that Canada will require hundreds of thousands of skilled STEM workers in the coming years to fill job openings and address labor shortages.
Opportunities for Prospective Immigrants
Prospective immigrants with STEM backgrounds have a unique opportunity to contribute to Canada's growing technology and innovation sectors. According to the 2022 year-end Express Entry report, the top three primary occupations among candidates who received invitations to apply for permanent residence were all in the technology industry. Software engineers and designers, information system specialists, computer systems developers, and programmers were among the most common occupations among Express Entry candidates in 2022.
For skilled STEM workers interested in immigrating to Canada, the category-based Express Entry draws provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residency. By filling critical labor market gaps, these professionals play a crucial role in advancing Canada's STEM sector while building meaningful careers in the country.
History of STEM Express Entry Draws
IRCC has already conducted one round of invitations exclusively for candidates with STEM work experience. On July 5th, 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. As Canada continues to prioritize STEM talent, more opportunities are expected for skilled professionals to make their mark in the country.
For the latest updates on Express Entry draws and immigration news, you can visit the IRCC website.
Canada's pursuit of STEM professionals reaffirms its commitment to innovation and economic growth, making it an attractive destination for those seeking career opportunities in these dynamic fields.
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