IRCC Announces Express Entry Shakeup for 2025 – See If You Qualify!
Canada updates Express Entry for 2025, introducing an Education category, modifying Healthcare, STEM, and Trade occupations, and prioritizing key sectors.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates to Express Entry categories on February 27, 2025. These changes will impact category-based draws, occupations, and priority areas for immigration.
Key Changes in 2025 Express Entry Categories
1. Introduction of a New Category: Education
A new category, Education, has been added to Express Entry. Five occupations fall under this new category, addressing the growing demand for professionals in the education sector.
2. Removal of the Transport Category
The Transport category has been removed from category-based draws.
3. Expansion of Healthcare Category to Include Social Services
Several social service occupations have been added to the Healthcare category, broadening the range of professionals eligible under this category.
- French-language proficiency – Candidates with strong French skills continue to receive priority, supporting Canada’s bilingual goals.
- Healthcare and Social Service occupations – This category includes various healthcare professionals and social service workers, addressing critical shortages in these sectors.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations – Professionals in farming, food production, and related industries fall under this category to support Canada’s growing agricultural needs.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations – This category prioritizes skilled professionals in technological, engineering, and scientific fields crucial to innovation and economic growth.
- Trades occupations – Various skilled trade professionals, such as electricians, mechanics, and construction workers, are included to meet Canada's infrastructure demands.
- Education occupations – Newly introduced in 2025, this category focuses on educators, school assistants, and childcare professionals to address labor shortages in the education sector.
Priority Express Entry Categories for 2025
The following categories will receive priority for Invitations to Apply (ITA) under the category-based draws:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Service occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
Changes in Eligible Occupations
In addition to modifying the categories, IRCC has updated the list of eligible occupations within existing categories. Below is a breakdown of the additions and removals.
1. Healthcare and Social Services
Occupations Added:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Other Medical Technologists and Technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Social and Community Service Workers | 42201 | 2 |
| Social Workers | 41300 | 1 |
Occupations Removed:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Educational Counsellors | 41320 | 1 |
| Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Kinesiologists and Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment | 31204 | 1 |
| Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services | 33109 | 3 |
| Other Practitioners of Natural Healing | 32209 | 2 |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists | 32200 | 2 |
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Occupations Added:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Insurance Agents and Brokers | 63100 | 3 |
Occupations Removed:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Architects | 21200 | 1 |
| Business Systems Specialists | 21221 | 1 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 20012 | 0 |
| Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers) | 21311 | 1 |
| Software Engineers and Designers | 21231 | 1 |
| Web Developers and Programmers | 21234 | 1 |
| Data Scientists | 21211 | 1 |
| And more... |
3. Trade Occupations
Occupations Added:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Gas Fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Industrial Electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
| Construction Managers | 70010 | 0 |
Occupations Removed:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Elevator Constructors and Mechanics | 72406 | 2 |
| Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers | 73200 | 3 |
| Machine Fitters | 72405 | 2 |
4. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Occupations Added:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services | 82031 | 2 |
| Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors | 82030 | 2 |
5. Introduction of the Education Category
The Education category has been introduced, including the following occupations:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 | 1 |
How Are Express Entry Categories Determined?
IRCC determines Express Entry categories based on Canada's economic and demographic priorities. The selection criteria focus on:
-
Labour Market Demand: Occupations facing shortages in Canada.
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Economic Growth Needs: Sectors requiring skilled professionals.
-
Commitment to Bilingualism: Supporting French-language proficiency outside Quebec.
These significant updates to Express Entry categories will shape Canada’s immigration landscape in 2025, ensuring skilled workers align with national economic and demographic needs.
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