Navigate the changing landscape of STEM immigration to Canada
On This Page You Will Find:
- Breaking analysis of why STEM draws disappeared in 2025 and what it means for 2026
- Complete list of eligible STEM occupations (updated with recent changes)
- Step-by-step strategy to maximize your chances without waiting for STEM draws
- Real CRS scores and invitation numbers from all STEM draws to date
- Expert predictions on when STEM draws might resume
Summary:
If you're a tech professional dreaming of Canadian permanent residence, you've probably been wondering where all the STEM Express Entry draws went. After just three STEM-specific draws since 2023, IRCC has essentially put this category on pause for 2025. But here's what most people don't realize: you might not need to wait for a STEM draw at all. This guide reveals the current state of STEM immigration to Canada, shows you exactly which occupations still qualify, and gives you a proven strategy to get your invitation to apply – even without a dedicated STEM draw.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- STEM draws have been paused for 2025, but the category still exists with updated occupation lists
- Only 3 STEM draws have occurred since 2023, with CRS scores ranging from 481-491
- 6 new occupations were added while 19 were removed from the STEM category in February 2025
- You can still get invited through general Express Entry draws if your CRS score is competitive
- Having 6+ months of STEM experience in the last 3 years makes you eligible when draws resume
The Reality Check: Where Did All the STEM Draws Go?
Sarah Chen, a software developer from Singapore, had been refreshing the IRCC website every week for months. Her CRS score of 485 wasn't quite high enough for general Express Entry draws, but it would have been perfect for the STEM-specific rounds she'd been counting on. Like thousands of other tech professionals, Sarah discovered the hard truth: STEM draws have essentially vanished.
Here's what happened. After launching category-based selection with great fanfare in 2023, IRCC conducted only three STEM draws before quietly shifting focus. The 2025 immigration levels plan made it clear – STEM wouldn't be a priority this year.
But before you panic, here's the silver lining: STEM as a category hasn't been eliminated. IRCC even updated the occupation list in February 2025, suggesting they're still planning future draws. The question isn't if STEM draws will return, but when.
The Complete History: Every STEM Draw That Ever Happened
Let's look at the numbers that tell the real story:
Draw #293 - April 11, 2024
- CRS Cut-off: 491
- Invitations: 4,500
- This was the most recent STEM draw, over 8 months ago
Draw #274 - December 8, 2023
- CRS Cut-off: 481 (lowest ever for STEM)
- Invitations: 5,900
- The largest STEM draw to date
Draw #254 - July 5, 2023
- CRS Cut-off: 486
- Invitations: 500
- The very first STEM draw, essentially a pilot
That's it. Three draws in nearly two years. Compare this to healthcare workers who've seen multiple targeted draws, and you can understand why STEM professionals feel forgotten.
What Changed in 2025: The New STEM Occupation List
Despite the pause in draws, IRCC made significant changes to eligible STEM occupations in February 2025. This suggests they're refining the category, not abandoning it.
New Additions (Your Fresh Opportunities):
These six occupations joined the STEM category:
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310)
- Geological engineers (NOC 21331)
- Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100)
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301)
- Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301)
The Big Removals (What You Lost):
Unfortunately, 19 occupations were cut, including some of the most popular tech roles:
- Software developers and programmers
- Software engineers and designers
- Web developers and programmers
- Data scientists
- Computer engineers
- Database analysts and data administrators
If your occupation was removed, don't despair. You can still qualify for general Express Entry draws, and these occupations might return in future updates.
Current Eligible STEM Occupations:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 | 0 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 1 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 | 1 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 | 1 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 | 1 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 | 3 |
Your 2026 Strategy: Don't Wait for STEM Draws
Here's the uncomfortable truth most immigration consultants won't tell you: waiting for STEM draws might be a mistake. With only three draws in nearly two years, you're essentially putting your immigration dreams on hold for something that might not happen.
Option 1: Boost Your CRS for General Draws
General Express Entry draws happen every 2-3 weeks with CRS cut-offs typically between 520-540. If you can reach this range, you don't need a STEM draw.
Quick CRS boosters:
- French language skills: Up to 50 additional points
- Canadian education: 15-30 points depending on level
- Provincial nomination: 600 points (guaranteed invitation)
- Job offer: 50-200 points depending on the role
Option 2: Target Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces actively recruit STEM professionals through their PNP streams. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS – essentially guaranteeing an invitation.
Top provinces for STEM workers:
- Ontario: Tech draws happen monthly
- British Columbia: Regular tech pilot draws
- Alberta: Strong demand for engineers
- Saskatchewan: Lower CRS requirements
The Application Process: Getting Ready for When Draws Resume
Step 1: Confirm Your Express Entry Eligibility
Before you can benefit from any STEM draw, you need to qualify for Express Entry itself. Most STEM professionals qualify through either:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW):
- 1 year of skilled work experience (anywhere in the world)
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment
- Proof of funds
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience
- Language test results
- No education assessment required
Step 2: Document Your STEM Experience
For STEM draws, you need at least 6 months of eligible work experience in the past 3 years. This doesn't have to be your primary occupation – it just needs to be documented.
Critical documentation:
- Employment letters detailing duties and responsibilities
- Pay stubs or tax documents
- Contracts or offer letters
- Reference letters from supervisors
Step 3: Calculate and Optimize Your CRS Score
Use the official CRS calculator to determine your score. Remember, even if STEM draws resume, you'll still need a competitive score.
Based on historical data, aim for:
- 485+ for potential STEM draws
- 525+ for general draws
What Industry Experts Predict for 2026
Immigration lawyers and consultants I've spoken with believe STEM draws will likely resume in 2026, but with changes:
Likely scenarios:
- Smaller, more targeted draws focusing on specific occupations
- Higher CRS requirements (500+) due to pent-up demand
- Integration with Provincial Nominee Programs
- Possible focus on candidates already in Canada
Less likely scenarios:
- Return to the large draws of 2023-2024
- Significant expansion of eligible occupations
- Lower CRS cut-offs
Common Mistakes That Kill STEM Applications
Mistake 1: Waiting Indefinitely for STEM Draws
I've seen too many qualified candidates miss opportunities while waiting for draws that never came. Your Express Entry profile expires after 12 months – don't waste that time.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Provincial Programs
Provincial programs often have lower requirements and faster processing times than federal programs. Many STEM professionals qualify but never apply.
Mistake 3: Poor Documentation of STEM Experience
Having eligible experience means nothing if you can't prove it. Start gathering documents now, even if you're not ready to apply.
Mistake 4: Focusing Only on Primary Occupation
You only need 6 months of STEM experience – it doesn't have to be your main job. Many people qualify based on previous roles or side projects.
Your Next Steps: A Practical Action Plan
Immediate Actions (This Week):
- Calculate your current CRS score using the official calculator
- Check if your occupation is on the current STEM list
- Gather employment documents for all STEM-related work experience
- Research Provincial Nominee Programs in your field
Short-term Goals (Next 3 Months):
- Take language tests (or retake for higher scores)
- Get your educational credentials assessed
- Create your Express Entry profile
- Apply to relevant Provincial Nominee Programs
Long-term Strategy (6-12 Months):
- Consider additional education or certifications for CRS points
- Explore job opportunities in Canada for CEC eligibility
- Learn French for additional language points
- Stay updated on immigration policy changes
The Bottom Line: Your Path Forward
STEM Express Entry draws have been disappointing, but your Canadian immigration dreams don't have to be. The most successful applicants I've seen don't wait for perfect conditions – they create multiple pathways to success.
Whether STEM draws resume in 2026 or not, you can still achieve your goal of Canadian permanent residence. Focus on what you can control: improving your CRS score, exploring provincial programs, and maintaining a competitive Express Entry profile.
The tech talent shortage in Canada isn't going anywhere. When immigration policies catch up with economic reality, you want to be ready to seize that opportunity immediately.
Your future in Canada is still very much possible – you just need to be strategic about how you get there.
FAQ
Q: Why did STEM Express Entry draws stop in 2025 and when might they resume?
STEM draws were essentially paused in 2025 as IRCC shifted priorities outlined in their immigration levels plan. Since the program launched in 2023, there have been only three STEM-specific draws total - the last one occurring on April 11, 2024, with a CRS cut-off of 491. Despite this pause, IRCC updated the STEM occupation list in February 2025, adding 6 new occupations while removing 19 others, suggesting they haven't abandoned the category entirely. Immigration experts predict STEM draws will likely resume in 2026, but expect smaller, more targeted draws with higher CRS requirements (500+) due to pent-up demand. The resumption will likely coincide with Canada's ongoing tech talent shortage and economic priorities. Rather than waiting indefinitely, consider alternative pathways like Provincial Nominee Programs or improving your CRS score for general draws that happen every 2-3 weeks.
Q: Which STEM occupations are currently eligible for category-based selection in 2026?
The STEM occupation list was significantly updated in February 2025, with notable changes that affect eligibility. New additions include Civil Engineers (NOC 21300), Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301), Geological Engineers (NOC 21331), and various engineering technologists. However, many popular tech roles were removed, including Software Developers, Data Scientists, and Web Developers. Currently eligible occupations include Architecture and Science Managers (NOC 20011), Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220), Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310), Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (NOC 21321), and several engineering technologist positions. Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100) were also added. To qualify, you need at least 6 months of work experience in any eligible STEM occupation within the past 3 years - this doesn't have to be your primary occupation. If your occupation was removed, you can still apply through general Express Entry draws or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Q: What CRS score do I need for STEM draws, and how does it compare to general Express Entry?
Based on the three historical STEM draws, CRS scores have ranged from 481 to 491, with the lowest being 481 in December 2023 and the highest at 491 in April 2024. This is significantly lower than general Express Entry draws, which typically require 520-540 points. However, if STEM draws resume in 2026, experts predict higher cut-offs (500+) due to accumulated demand from the pause period. To maximize your chances, aim for 485+ points for potential STEM draws or 525+ for general draws. Remember that improving your CRS score opens multiple pathways - French language skills can add up to 50 points, Canadian education provides 15-30 points, and a Provincial Nomination guarantees 600 points. Given the uncertainty around STEM draw resumption, focusing on reaching general draw thresholds might be more strategic than waiting for category-specific invitations.
Q: Can I still immigrate to Canada as a STEM professional without waiting for STEM-specific draws?
Absolutely, and this might actually be a better strategy given the unpredictability of STEM draws. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) actively recruit STEM professionals and provide 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry invitation. Ontario conducts monthly tech draws, British Columbia runs regular tech pilot streams, and Alberta shows strong demand for engineers. You can also focus on improving your CRS score for general Express Entry draws through French language training, Canadian education, or securing a job offer. The Canadian Experience Class is another excellent pathway if you can obtain a work permit and gain one year of Canadian experience. Many successful STEM immigrants never relied on category-based selection. Consider that general draws happen every 2-3 weeks versus the three total STEM draws since 2023. Creating multiple pathways increases your chances significantly and reduces dependence on unpredictable policy decisions.
Q: How do I document my STEM work experience properly for Express Entry?
Proper documentation is crucial since you need to prove at least 6 months of eligible STEM experience within the past 3 years. Start with detailed employment letters that specify your job title, duties, responsibilities, employment dates, and salary. Ensure the duties match the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description for your claimed STEM occupation. Gather supporting documents including pay stubs, tax documents (T4s in Canada or equivalent), employment contracts, and reference letters from supervisors. If you've worked in multiple STEM roles, document all of them - you only need 6 months total, which can be combined from different positions. For remote work or consulting, maintain contracts and invoices. If your primary occupation isn't STEM but you have qualifying experience from previous roles or side projects, document those thoroughly. Keep digital and physical copies of everything. Remember, having the experience means nothing if you can't prove it during the application process.
Q: What are the biggest mistakes STEM professionals make with Express Entry applications?
The most critical mistake is waiting indefinitely for STEM draws while missing other opportunities. Your Express Entry profile expires after 12 months, and with only three STEM draws since 2023, this waiting strategy often fails. Many qualified candidates ignore Provincial Nominee Programs, which often have lower CRS requirements and faster processing times than federal streams. Poor documentation is another killer - having STEM experience but failing to prove it properly during application review. Candidates often focus only on their primary occupation, missing that they only need 6 months of STEM experience from any qualifying role. Not optimizing CRS scores is common too; many don't pursue French language training or Canadian education that could boost their points significantly. Finally, applying with insufficient funds or incomplete language tests causes unnecessary delays. Success comes from creating multiple pathways simultaneously rather than banking everything on one approach.
Q: Should I learn French to improve my chances as a STEM immigrant to Canada?
Learning French can be a game-changer for STEM professionals, potentially adding up to 50 CRS points and opening doors to Quebec's immigration programs. For Express Entry, strong French skills (CLB 7+) combined with English proficiency can significantly boost your score, making you competitive for general draws without waiting for STEM-specific ones. Quebec has its own immigration system with programs specifically targeting skilled workers, including tech professionals, and French proficiency is essential there. Even basic French (CLB 5-6) provides meaningful CRS points. The investment in French learning often pays off faster than waiting for uncertain STEM draws. Consider that bilingual candidates have advantages in Canada's job market, particularly in government positions and companies operating in both official languages. Start with online platforms like Duolingo or Babbel, then progress to formal classes or tutoring. Many successful STEM immigrants credit French language skills with making the difference in their applications, especially when combined with their technical expertise.
