Express Entry STEM Category (2026): Engineers and Technical Occupations

The STEM category is one of the category-based draws in Express Entry. In a STEM draw, IRCC invites only candidates with recent experience in a listed science, technology, engineering, or math occupation, ranked by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

IRCC reviews the category list each year. As of September 2026, its category-based selection page lists STEM occupations as a 2026 category, with the 12-month experience rule that now applies to most categories.

IRCC publishes the full list on its category-based selection page. Examples on the 2026 list include:

The 2026 list leans toward engineering. If you work in software development, data science, or another technology job, check the official list for your exact code before you plan around this category. Your duties, not your job title, decide your NOC code.

You are included in STEM draws if you:

1. Have an active Express Entry profile and are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2. Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time, in one listed occupation.
3. Gained that experience within the last 3 years, in Canada or abroad. It does not need to be continuous.

Most listed STEM jobs are TEER 0, 1, or 2. For the Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0-1 jobs need CLB 7 and TEER 2 jobs need CLB 5. The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7.

Not to be invited. But in Canada, "engineer" and "professional engineer" are protected titles. To work as a licensed engineer, you need a license from the engineering regulator in your province, which assesses your degree and experience and usually requires a professional practice exam. Many newcomers work in engineering roles under supervision while they complete licensing. Technologists can register with provincial technology associations.

Start early. Check the province hubs for details, such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

IRCC decides when to hold STEM draws and how many invitations to issue. Being on the list does not guarantee regular draws. Follow results on our Express Entry draws tracker and the 2026 categories status page. Estimate your score with the CRS calculator.

STEM candidates often score well in general draws anyway, because they tend to have higher education and language scores.

• General and Canadian Experience Class draws, if your CRS score is high.
• Provincial nominations, which add 600 CRS points. Several provinces target tech and engineering. See PNP.
• Work permits for tech talent, such as the Global Talent Stream, to gain Canadian experience first.
• If you are in the United States on an H-1B, see Canada's promised H-1B holders pathway.

After an Invitation to Apply, you have 60 days to submit your application. See from ITA to COPR. Prepare reference letters showing dates, hours, salary, and duties that match your NOC code, an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign degrees (ECA guide), valid language results, police certificates, and a medical exam. False claims about your occupation are treated as misrepresentation, which carries a 5-year ban.

Entering the Express Entry pool is free. After an invitation, you pay IRCC's fees.

As of September 2026 (fees rose on April 30, 2026), IRCC charges these fees for economic programs such as Express Entry and the PNP, in Canadian dollars:

Biometrics cost $85 per person, or $170 for a family applying together. Check the IRCC fee list before paying, because fees change. Budget as well for language tests, an Educational Credential Assessment if you studied abroad, police certificates, and medical exams.

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications in about 6 months after you submit a complete application. Real times vary. Check the IRCC processing times tool or our processing times page.

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 can be included in your application and become permanent residents with you. Each must pass medical and security checks.