Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in a new category-based Express Entry draw focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations. This marks the first STEM-targeted draw of 2024 and follows a general draw that occurred the day prior.
Applicants in this latest round, held on April 11, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to be eligible. This draw offers promising opportunities for internationally trained STEM professionals seeking to contribute to Canada’s growing innovation economy.
The STEM-focused draw came just one day after IRCC issued 1,280 ITAs in a general Express Entry draw on April 10, which required a notably high CRS score of 549—the highest minimum score of any draw in 2024 so far. General draws evaluate candidates based solely on CRS scores and are open to all Express Entry programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
This jump in CRS cut-off scores may reflect increased competition and a surge in the number of high-scoring applicants in the general pool. It also highlights the importance of category-based selections, which allow IRCC to strategically address labor shortages in targeted sectors such as STEM, healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency.
Since its launch in May 2023, category-based selection has become an essential part of Canada’s Express Entry strategy, enabling the government to fast-track candidates with specific in-demand skills. STEM workers are particularly vital to Canada’s innovation ecosystem, which faces persistent labor gaps in roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and electrical engineers.
According to the 2024 Express Entry trends, IRCC has continued leveraging targeted draws to attract professionals who meet Canada’s evolving labor market needs. In combination with general and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, this approach is enhancing Canada’s efforts to build a skilled and sustainable immigrant workforce.
Candidates interested in Canada’s Express Entry pathway—particularly those with STEM backgrounds—should ensure their profiles are up-to-date and that they demonstrate strong CRS fundamentals, including language proficiency, education, and relevant work experience.
Maple News will continue monitoring developments in Canada’s immigration system as IRCC aligns its selection strategies with economic priorities.