What is the minimum CRS score for a STEM Express Entry draw?

STEM category draw CRS cutoffs have ranged from 481 to 496 in recent draws. The most recent STEM draw (#315, January 2026) had a cutoff of 481. STEM draws generally have CRS cutoffs 10–30 points lower than all-program draws, making them very beneficial for eligible tech and engineering workers.

Is software developer eligible for STEM Express Entry draw?

No. Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232) are NOT currently on the official STEM Express Entry category list. The 11 eligible STEM NOC codes focus on engineering disciplines and cybersecurity. Software developers can still apply through all-program Express Entry draws. Always check the official IRCC category list for the most current eligible NOC codes.

How do I qualify for a STEM category Express Entry draw?

To qualify for a STEM Express Entry category draw you need: (1) An active Express Entry profile, (2) Eligibility under FSW, CEC, or FST program, (3) At least 1 year of work experience in the past 3 years in one of the 11 eligible STEM NOC codes, and (4) A CRS score at or above the draw cutoff when IRCC holds a STEM-specific draw.

STEM CRS Calculator 2026 – Express Entry Science Technology Engineering Math

What is the STEM Express Entry Category Draw?

Canada's IRCC introduced category-based Express Entry draws in May 2023. The STEM category targets candidates with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math work experience.

STEM draws are confirmed as an active category for 2026 by IRCC. They typically have lower CRS cutoffs than all-program draws — meaning eligible STEM workers have a better shot at an ITA even if their score is below the all-program threshold.

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To qualify for a STEM draw, you need an active Express Entry profile with at least 1 year of STEM work experience in the past 3 years in one of the 11 eligible NOC codes listed below.

STEM vs All-Program Draws — What's the Difference?

In an all-program draw, IRCC invites the top candidates from the entire pool regardless of occupation. In a STEM draw, only candidates with eligible STEM work experience compete — typically a much smaller pool, resulting in lower cutoffs.

Recent STEM draws have had cutoffs 10–30 points lower than all-program draws held on the same dates.

11 Eligible STEM NOC Codes for Express Entry 2026

These are the official STEM occupations eligible for category-based Express Entry draws as per IRCC's category-based selection list.

You must have at least 1 year of experience in the past 3 years in one of these roles.

#	Occupation	NOC Code	TEER
1	Architecture and Science Managers	20011	TEER 0
2	Cybersecurity Specialists	21220	TEER 1
3	Civil Engineers	21300	TEER 1
4	Mechanical Engineers	21301	TEER 1
5	Electrical and Electronics Engineers	21310	TEER 1
6	Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers	21321	TEER 1
7	Geological Engineers	21331	TEER 1
8	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	22300	TEER 2
9	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	22301	TEER 2
10	Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians	22310	TEER 2
11	Insurance Agents and Brokers	63100	TEER 3

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Software developers (NOC 21232) are NOT on this list. They are not eligible for STEM category draws but can still apply via all-program draws. Always verify on Canada.ca as the list may be updated.

How to Qualify for a STEM Express Entry Draw

1

Check Your NOC Code

Confirm your occupation is one of the 11 eligible STEM NOC codes above using the checker at the top of this page.

2

Meet Program Eligibility

Qualify under FSW, CEC, or FST. STEM draws don't change the base program requirements — they just filter by occupation.

3

Create Express Entry Profile

Enter your NOC code and 1+ year of STEM experience in your profile so IRCC can identify you for STEM category draws.

4

Wait for a STEM Draw

IRCC holds STEM draws periodically. Your score must meet or exceed the cutoff when a STEM draw is held to receive an ITA.

STEM Express Entry Draw History & CRS Cutoffs

Historical STEM category draw results from IRCC. Use these to understand the trend and assess your chances.

View all Express Entry draw results →

Draw #	Date	Category	Min CRS Cutoff	ITAs Issued
315	Jan 8, 2026	STEM Occupations	481	1,500
305	Oct 10, 2025	STEM Occupations	486	1,200
293	Apr 11, 2024	STEM Occupations	491	4,500
282	Nov 2, 2023	STEM Occupations	496	1,000
261	Jun 28, 2023	STEM Occupations	486	500

Source: IRCC Express Entry Rounds of Invitations. Verify data on Canada.ca.

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STEM draw cutoffs (481–496) are consistently 10–30 points lower than all-program draw cutoffs held around the same period. If your score is between 460–490, a STEM draw may be your best path to an ITA.

All Express Entry Category-Based Draw Types 2026

IRCC runs category draws for multiple priority groups. Each category has its own NOC list and CRS cutoff.

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STEM Occupations

11 NOC codes in engineering and tech

Current page ✓

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Healthcare

Nurses, doctors, social workers

Healthcare Calculator →

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Trade Occupations

Electricians, plumbers, welders

Trades Calculator →

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French Language

CLB 7+ French proficiency

French Draw Info →

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Education

Teachers, educational staff

EE Calculator →

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Transport

Truck drivers, transport workers

EE Calculator →

STEM CRS Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the STEM category draw in Express Entry?

The STEM category draw is a type of Express Entry draw that only invites candidates with Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math work experience. Introduced in 2023, STEM draws give eligible tech and engineering workers a better chance at an ITA because they compete in a smaller pool with a lower CRS cutoff than all-program draws.

Which NOC codes are eligible for STEM Express Entry draws?

There are 11 eligible NOC codes: Architecture and Science Managers (20011), Cybersecurity Specialists (21220), Civil Engineers (21300), Mechanical Engineers (21301), Electrical and Electronics Engineers (21310), Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (21321), Geological Engineers (21331), Civil Engineering Technologists (22300), Mechanical Engineering Technologists (22301), Electrical Engineering Technologists (22310), and Insurance Agents and Brokers (63100). Check the full table above and use our NOC eligibility checker.

Is software developer eligible for a STEM Express Entry draw?

No. Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232), database analysts (21223), web developers (21234), and IT project managers (20012) are NOT on the current IRCC STEM category list. They must apply through all-program draws. Always check the official IRCC page for any updates to the STEM eligible list.

What is the minimum CRS score for a STEM draw in 2026?

Recent STEM draw cutoffs have ranged from 481 to 496. The most recent STEM draw (January 2026, Draw #315) had a cutoff of 481. STEM draws typically have cutoffs 10–30 points lower than all-program draws held around the same time. If your score is between 460–490, a STEM draw may be your best path to receiving an ITA.

How do I improve my CRS score for the STEM Express Entry draw?

Key ways to increase your CRS score for STEM draws include: improving IELTS/CELPIP scores to CLB 9+ (adds up to 128 points), obtaining a provincial nomination via PNP stream (+600 points), gaining Canadian work experience (+40–80 points), completing a Canadian post-secondary program (+15–30 points), and learning French to CLB 7+ (+25–50 bonus points). See our full CRS improvement guide.

How often does IRCC hold STEM category draws?

IRCC does not hold STEM draws on a fixed schedule. In 2023 and 2024, STEM draws were held approximately every 2–4 months. The frequency depends on IRCC's annual immigration targets and the number of STEM candidates in the pool. Candidates should keep their Express Entry profile active and up to date to be considered whenever a STEM draw is held. Track upcoming draws on our CRS cutoff scores page.