Express Entry for Newcomers with STEM

Those seeking employees with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) expertise will now have a more global pool from which to choose. Announced today by Minister François-Phillippe Champagne, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, starting next week, the first round of STEM category-based selections will be opened. The goal is to help Canada's science and technology sector bring in skilled talent to drive innovation and growth.

Also announced this week, the federal government will allocate more immigration spots to STEM and entrepreneurial applicants until 2025 as part of their Tech Talent Strategy. This strategy includes the extension of work permits provided to entrepreneurs from one year to three years. An extension that will now be available to each entrepreneurial team member instead of just the most essential.​

Immigration is critical to building a healthy and robust community and economy. Expediting immigration for job skills needed for the economy's health is a much-needed aid to businesses struggling to fill positions. Still, the lag in accepting credentials from other parts of Canada and the world remains a barrier to the success of this strategy. The Chamber will continue advocacy work on accelerating the recognition of credentials by professional associations.