Canada PR: Simplified for STEM Professionals

Hey! Do you belong to the STEM profession? Then there is good news for you if you are looking to immigrate to Canada. Acknowledging the tremendous value and metamorphic abilities that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Professionals (aka you!) offer the country, Canada has prioritized PRs to STEM professionals for their contribution to the economy.

Canada's Express Entry system, now optimized and refined just for you, provides a quick and easy PR process for STEM professionals with proficiency in these crucial domains currently undergoing worker undersupply.

If 'most-wanted' was an occupation, it would be STEM in Canada. 2023-24, this is the best time for professionals belonging to the STEM professions to apply for a Permanent residency in Canada.

1) What is the STEM category in Canada PR under Express Entry?

On May 31st, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of category-based rounds of invitations of Canadian PR for the Express Entry System.

In category-based rounds, candidates are accepted from the Express Entry pool who qualify for a specific category defined by the Minister to accomplish an identified economic target achievement. 'Science, Technology, Engineering and Math' (STEM) occupations are among the categories selected.

2) How STEM categories will fast-track Canada's PR process?

Aspiring to fulfill the growing demand for a STEM workforce and fill essential positions that contribute to the nation's economic expansion and technological advancement, Canada prioritizes the invitations to STEM specialists. Express entry already being the fastest path to a Canada PR is now further transformed to hierarchize the categories selected above the rest.

Let's take an example, you, a STEM professional want to immigrate to Canada but oh no! You have only a 455 CRS score and your friend from a non-category job has 470 CRS. What a margin! And you feel demotivated.

But fear not! You are under the category of occupations that Canada needs! Meaning you, my friend might just get a special preference in getting Canadian PR. Even if your scores are relatively lower than a non-priority occupation, currently the high demand for your expertise turns the wheels in your favor.

However, the clock ticks, and the opportunity slips. The early bird will get the seat! For, in cases of ties, your profile submission date and time is the trump card behind your selection. So hurry up before this golden opportunity ends!

3) Canada immigration and Opportunities for STEM-based occupation in 2023-24.

With industries seeking to fill innumerable Vacancies across Canada, immigration appears as an important element of the equation. The Government of Canada thus constructed an immigration system that functions as an economic catalyst, empowering businesses and assisting them in meeting their employment demands.

As per the Data published on Jan 23rd, 2023, STEM Fields constitute nearly 5, 00,000 immigrant workers in Canada.

3.1) Some opportunities for STEM Professionals in Canada are:

1. DEMAND:

Canadian prospects for STEM professionals are flourishing and promising. With nearly 61,449 ITA's issued in 2023 itself. You are in demand more than anyone!

2. WHY NOW?:

This is a golden period to get that golden ticket! A reference in PR, a high-paying job, increased standards of living! What more can one ask for?

3. WHAT MORE?:

Beyond financial incentives is the opportunity to learn and grow more. The high-end education is waiting for your knock to open doors to greater heights.

The BIGGEST advantage is the fact that what you want, wants you more! Right now is once in a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity for STEM professionals to get a PR. So come on friend! What are you waiting for?

4) Professions benefitting from Canada PR in 2023-24.

Under category-based selection rounds, the following are the categories selected for 2023:

1. French-language proficiency
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
3. Transport occupations
4. Healthcare occupations
5. Trade occupations
6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

All occupations under the above-mentioned categories will benefit highly from the new system introduced. Detailed information regarding jobs under each category can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

5) Indian immigrants might have an upper edge.

Indians are the largest immigrating group to Canada, with a whopping number of 1, 18,095 immigrants, making them the biggest source of Canada PR landings in 2022. Multiculturalism promotion provides a healthy community for Indian immigrants, allowing new cultures and old customs to coexist and thrive.

As per reports, India leads the world in the number of STEM bachelor’s degrees. The numbers compiled by the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, India's high share of 34% of STEM students, making it a huge source of STEM professionals. Thus, India seems to have an upper hand when immigrating to Canada.

6) Eligibility requirements to apply for Canada immigration under the STEM category:

Eligibility for STEM occupation category is:

Meeting the minimum criteria under the express entry, which includes being eligible for 1 out of the 3 immigration programs under Express Entry namely-

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program.
3. Canadian Experience Class.

Meeting requirements that will be mentioned under the instructions for said round.

Under the preceding 3 years, a minimum of 6 months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) under listed occupations under the STEM Category.

What are the occupations listed under the STEM category? They include:

On July 5th, 2023, the first round of category-based selection for STEM occupation holders saw 500 invites being issued.

In the draw, 486 was scored by the lowest-ranked candidate invited. In order to receive an invite under category-based selections, one must have scored above 486 as it becomes the minimum score.

In case of a tie, the cut-off is based on the time and date of their express entry profile submission.

Canada PR Process for STEM Professionals

The category-based rounds add to the general rounds and program-specific rounds. Candidates meeting the category requirements are ranked and top-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for a PR.

Thus, for STEM Professionals the PR process should go about like this-

1. Ascertaining eligibility under Express Entry and getting proof of language proficiency. (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.).
2. Creation of express entry profile, getting a CSR score, and submitting the profile.
3. Once an Invitation to apply is granted, complete the PR process in the allotted time period.
4. During application processing time finish any additional requirements.
5. Obtain the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable).
6. Present the documents at the port and become a Permanent Resident!

Conclusive note 

This news is noteworthy in Canada's adherence to recruiting top global talent and consolidating its status as a leader in R&D and innovative mindset.

In-demand experts are welcomed across the country helping Canada’s science and tech sector, providing businesses the innovative drive to achieve their greatest heights.

Developing further upon the recent introduction of the Tech Talent Attraction Strategy, this initiative will enhance the efforts of the Government of Canada to retain and recruit top individuals to address STEM workforce shortages.

FAQ

Q) Do STEM professionals get Canada PR at a lower CRS score?

Yes, they do! Since Canada has a deficiency of STEM professionals, they would get priority over others, even if they have a lower CRS score.

Q) Whether the STEM professionals get quick Canada PR?

Indeed! Employers are actively seeking to fulfill the growing demand for eligible talent. The chances of getting a PR for category-included professionals are exceptionally high!

Q) Is Canada PR simplified for STEM professionals?

Express Entry is the most sought-after and the fastest route to a Canada PR. With the introduction of Category-based rounds, they have further simplified it, stating clearly what streams are needed in Canada and will get priority in the selection processes.