October 18, 2023

Healthcare & STEM Dominate Express Entry Jobs in Canada.

In a groundbreaking move to align with Canada's economic goals and address labor market demands, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently introduced new selection categories for Express Entry candidates. These categories focus on specific occupations or work experience in high-demand fields. Among the six new categories—Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Agri-Food, and French-language proficiency—Healthcare and STEM stand out as the primary drivers, comprising a significant number of eligible occupations. In this comprehensive blog, we explore the significance of Healthcare and STEM occupations and shed light on the extensive range of professions within each category.

Healthcare Occupations: Meeting the Aging Population's Needs:

Canada's population is rapidly aging, while the birth rate remains low compared to global standards. By 2030, approximately nine million Canadians will reach the age of 65. This demographic shift creates a pressing demand for healthcare services and a shortage of skilled professionals to address this growing need. In response, IRCC has prioritized healthcare occupations in their category-based selection draws, aiming to alleviate strain on the healthcare system.

Statistics Canada reports a staggering 144,500 vacant positions within the healthcare and social assistance sector as of March 2023, accounting for 17.7% of all unfilled positions. The new selection draws focus on an extensive range of healthcare occupations, including audiologists, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and more. By attracting skilled healthcare workers, Canada aims to strengthen its healthcare system and ensure quality care for its citizens.

The following is a comprehensive list of eligible healthcare occupations for Express Entry category-based selection draws:

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
Chiropractors
Dentists
Dieticians and nutritionists
Education counsellors
General practitioners and family physicians
Instructors of persons with disabilities
Kinesiologists and other professionals in therapy and assessment
Licensed practical nurses
Massage therapists
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
Medical laboratory technologists
Medical radiation technologists
Medical sonographers
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
Nurse practitioners
Nursing coordinators and supervisors
Occupational therapists
Optometrists
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
Other practitioners of natural healing
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
Paramedical occupations
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
Physiotherapists
Psychologists
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Specialists in surgery
Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
Veterinarians

STEM Occupations: Fueling Canada's Innovation Hub:

In addition to healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations play a crucial role in driving Canada's innovation and economic growth. Canada has emerged as a global hub for AI (artificial intelligence), with 1,032 AI and machine learning companies. Notably, the Information, Communications, and Technology industry generated an estimated $242 billion in revenues in 2021.

However, the rapid pace of technological advancements and the high retirement rate have created a skills gap within Canada's labor force. Employers are increasingly hiring less-qualified candidates, hindering business growth. To address this gap, IRCC has included 23 eligible STEM occupations in the category-based selection draws, attracting skilled professionals to contribute to Canada's thriving technology landscape.

Here is a comprehensive list of eligible STEM occupations for Express Entry category-based selection draws:

Architects
Architecture and science managers
Business systems specialists
Civil engineers
Computer and information systems managers
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
Computer systems developers and programmers
Cybersecurity specialists
Data scientists
Database analysts and data administrators
Electrical and electronics engineers
Engineering managers
Industrial and manufacturing engineers
Information systems specialists
Land surveyors
Landscape architects
Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
Metallurgical and materials engineers
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
Software developers and programmers
Software engineers and designers
Urban and land use planners
Web designers
Web developers and programmers

Eligibility for the New Categories:

While having the required work experience is crucial for Express Entry eligibility, candidates must also meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Each program has specific requirements related to work experience, education, and language proficiency. Candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad.

IRCC will continue to rank candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with higher-scoring individuals having a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Discover Your Path to a New Horizon with Pelican Migration Consultants

Are you dreaming of starting a new chapter in a foreign land? Look no further! At Pelican Migration Consultants, we specialize in making your migration journey seamless and stress-free.

Explore Limitless Opportunities: Our team of seasoned immigration experts is well-versed in various immigration pathways, from study permits and work visas to family sponsorships and skilled worker programs. We'll guide you through the intricacies of each process, ensuring you choose the best route tailored to your unique aspirations and qualifications.

Unlock Your Potential: With Pelican Migration Consultants by your side, you'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and industry insights. We stay up-to-date with the latest immigration policies, so you can rest assured that your application will be in the hands of professionals who understand the intricacies of the ever-evolving immigration landscape.

Tailored Solutions: We believe that every migration story is different. Our dedicated consultants take the time to understand your individual goals and circumstances, crafting personalized solutions that pave the way for your successful migration. Your journey is our top priority.

Trust and Transparency: As one of the top immigration consultants in Dubai, we pride ourselves on our honesty and transparency. From the first consultation to the final steps of your migration process, we keep you informed at every stage. With us, you'll experience a partnership built on trust.

Your Bridge to New Beginnings: Embark on your migration adventure with confidence. Let Pelican Migration Consultants be your trusted guide, and together, we'll navigate the path to your new horizon.