The federal government is making it faster and easier for newcomers with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experience to immigrate to Canada.
Candidates that meet these qualifications can apply for immigration through category-based selection under the country’s Express Entry program starting on July 5.
Among the skilled candidates that may qualify are data scientists, software developers and programmers, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, and electrical and electronics engineers.
François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of innovation, science and industry, made the announcement on June 28.
“One of Canada's greatest strengths is its ability to attract talent. This new STEM-focused category-based selection round will support our science and technology sector and its workforce, by attracting even more of the skilled talent that companies need to drive innovation and realize their growth potential,” he said in a news release.
“Combining its unparalleled ability to attract talent with the innovative capacity of its entrepreneurs, Canada is the best place in the world to start and scale a technology company.”
The government announced the new, category-based selection process last month.
Under the system, top-ranking candidates that meet the criteria in each category will be invited to apply for immigration during that round.
The government said it would focus its recruitment efforts this year in two categories: those newcomers who have a strong French language proficiency, and those who have work experience in health care, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture and agri-food.