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In the latest Express Entry Draw #293, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to 4,500 candidates in STEM occupations. These candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 491 to be considered for the invitations to apply (ITAs).
This draw marks the first time this year that IRCC has conducted a category-based selection draw specifically for candidates in STEM occupations. The selection criteria reflect a focus on attracting skilled individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to contribute to Canada’s workforce and innovation ecosystem.
Notably, this draw follows a general draw from April 10, where IRCC invited 1,280 candidates with a higher minimum CRS score of 549, which was the highest minimum CRS score for any draw in 2024 so far.
In contrast, the first general draw of the year, on January 10, required a CRS score of at least 546, with subsequent general draws seeing a gradual decrease in CRS score requirements. For example, the last general draw on March 25 invited 1,980 candidates with a CRS score of 524.
General draws typically consider candidates from all three Express Entry-managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, in category-based selection draws like this one for STEM occupations, meeting the minimum CRS score is the primary determinant for candidates to receive an ITA.
