In a significant development for immigration to Canada, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major changes to the Express Entry categories for 2025. The update, revealed on February 27, 2025, introduces a new category, removes an existing one, and revises the eligibility criteria for several occupations. These changes are expected to reshape the Express Entry system, prioritizing skilled workers in key sectors to align with Canada’s economic and demographic needs.
Key Changes in Express Entry Categories for 2025
1. Introduction of the New ‘Education’ Category
A major highlight of the 2025 Express Entry update is the introduction of a new category: Education. This category will prioritize candidates with experience in the education sector, addressing the growing demand for skilled educators in Canada. The following five occupations have been included under this new category:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100, TEER 3)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203, TEER 2)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202, TEER 2)
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221, TEER 1)
- Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220, TEER 1)
This is great news for professionals in the education sector looking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. If you are considering applying under this category, SWEC Visa experts can guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
2. Removal of the ‘Transport’ Category
While a new category has been introduced, the Transport category has been removed from the list of eligible Express Entry categories. This means that professionals in the transport sector will no longer have a dedicated category under category-based draws.
3. Expansion of the Healthcare Category to Include Social Services
Recognizing the increasing demand for professionals in both healthcare and social services, IRCC has revised the Healthcare category by incorporating several social services occupations. This adjustment reflects Canada’s need to strengthen its healthcare workforce, including mental health and community support professionals.
The occupations newly added to this category include:
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (NOC 32104, TEER 2)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (NOC 32123, TEER 2)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111, TEER 2)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (NOC 32129, TEER 2)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120, TEER 1)
- Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124, TEER 2)
- Social and community service workers (NOC 42201, TEER 2)
- Social workers (NOC 41300, TEER 1)
However, some occupations have been removed from the Healthcare category, including:
- Educational counsellors (NOC 41320, TEER 1)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203, TEER 2)
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (NOC 31204, TEER 1)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109, TEER 3)
- Other practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209, TEER 2)
- Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200, TEER 2)
If you are in the healthcare or social services profession and want to explore immigration options under Express Entry, SWEC Visa can provide personalized consultation to help you understand your eligibility and improve your chances of selection.
4. Changes in STEM, Trades, and Agriculture Categories
The 2025 update has also impacted other key sectors, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Trades, and Agriculture. Some occupations have been added, while others have been removed from these categories.
STEM Category Changes
Newly added occupations:
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300, TEER 2)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310, TEER 2)
- Geological engineers (NOC 21331, TEER 1)
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301, TEER 2)
- Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301, TEER 1)
- Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100, TEER 3)
Occupations removed from the STEM category:
- Architects, software developers, web designers, business systems specialists, and engineering managers were among 19 occupations removed.
Trade Category Changes
Newly added occupations:
- Home building and renovation managers, construction managers, industrial electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and cooks are among the 19 occupations added.
Occupations removed from the Trade category:
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers, machine fitters, elevator constructors, and mechanics were among the four occupations removed.
Agriculture Category Changes
- Two occupations have been added, including Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030, TEER 2).
- Two occupations have been removed from the category.
Which Express Entry Categories Will Be Prioritized in 2025?
While all categories remain active, IRCC has stated that Express Entry draws in 2025 will prioritize invitations to apply (ITA) for candidates in four key categories:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social service occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
This means candidates in these categories will have a higher likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply under category-based draws.
Why Did Canada Make These Changes?
Canada’s Express Entry system is designed to address labor shortages and strengthen the economy by inviting skilled workers in high-demand sectors. The adjustments in 2025 align with Canada’s goal of filling key labor gaps in education, healthcare, and skilled trades. Additionally, the emphasis on French-language proficiency supports the government’s commitment to bilingualism and the promotion of the French language outside Quebec.
How Can SWEC Help You with Express Entry?
Navigating the changing landscape of Canada’s immigration system can be complex. SWEC Visa, a trusted name in immigration consulting, can assist you in:
- Understanding your eligibility under the new Express Entry categories.
- Preparing a strong application to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA.
- Keeping you updated with the latest immigration policies and Express Entry draws.
If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry in 2025, consult SWEC’s professional visa and immigration experts today for a seamless and successful journey to Canada!
Changes in Occupation Categories Under Express Entry
The recent updates to Canada’s Express Entry system have not only introduced a new category (Education) but also modified several existing ones. Some occupations have been added to priority categories, while others have been removed. These changes reflect Canada’s evolving labor market needs and its goal of attracting skilled professionals in high-demand fields.
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Healthcare remains a priority for Canada’s immigration system, with additional social service roles now included. This change aims to address shortages in both medical and community care services.
✅ Newly Added Occupations:
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (NOC 32104)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (NOC 32123)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (NOC 32129)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
- Social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
- Social workers (NOC 41300)
❌ Removed Occupations:
- Educational counsellors (NOC 41320)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
- Kinesiologists and other professional therapy occupations (NOC 31204)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109)
- Other practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209)
- Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Occupations
Canada has refined its STEM category, removing several IT-related professions while adding key engineering and technical roles.
✅ Newly Added Occupations:
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310)
- Geological Engineers (NOC 21331)
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22301)
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100)
❌ Removed Occupations:
Several IT and data-related roles have been excluded, including:
- Architects (NOC 21200)
- Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)
- Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
- Computer engineers (except software engineers) (NOC 21311)
- Data scientists (NOC 21211)
- Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
- Web designers (NOC 21233)
- Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
- Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
- Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202)
Trade Occupations
Skilled trade workers remain essential to Canada’s infrastructure and construction sectors, with 19 new trade occupations added to the Express Entry category-based selection.
✅ Newly Added Occupations:
- Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling (NOC 82021)
- Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100)
- Construction managers (NOC 70010)
- Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
❌ Removed Occupations:
- Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406)
- Machine fitters (NOC 72405)
- Residential and commercial installers (NOC 73200)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Though no new roles were added to this category, two occupations were removed:
- Contractors and supervisors, landscaping and horticulture (NOC 82031)
- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
These changes indicate a shift in focus towards more specialized roles in the agricultural industry.
Education Category in Express Entry
The newly introduced Education Category under Express Entry aims to attract candidates with Canadian educational credentials, providing them with a better chance of securing permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for the Education Category
To qualify under this category, candidates must have:
✅ Completed a Canadian post-secondary credential (diploma, degree, or certificate) within the last five years.
✅ A valid Express Entry profile meeting the minimum CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score requirement.
✅ Work experience in a relevant field (optional but beneficial).
This category is expected to help international graduates transition from temporary status to permanent residency, reducing reliance on programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
How Express Entry Categories Are Determined
The Canadian government determines Express Entry categories based on:
🔹 Labor Market Needs: Data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) helps identify in-demand professions.
🔹 Economic Growth Priorities: Categories focus on sectors vital to Canada’s economy, such as healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades.
🔹 Immigration Targets: The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) adjusts categories yearly based on overall immigration goals.
This data-driven approach ensures that Express Entry selections align with Canada’s long-term workforce requirements.
Impact of These Changes on Express Entry Candidates
The latest Express Entry updates present both opportunities and challenges for aspiring immigrants.
✅ Positive Changes:
✔️ More pathways for skilled professionals in healthcare, STEM, and trades.
✔️ New Education Category benefits international students with Canadian credentials.
✔️ More focused selection rounds for priority occupations, increasing chances for in-demand applicants.
❌ Challenges:
❌ Some IT and business-related occupations were removed, making it harder for professionals in these fields to secure invitations.
❌ Higher competition within updated categories, as more applicants meet eligibility criteria.
Candidates should strategically optimize their Express Entry profiles by gaining work experience in priority sectors, improving language scores, and exploring provincial nomination programs (PNPs) for additional CRS points.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, focusing on skilled professionals needed to support the country’s economy. With the addition of an Education category and updates to healthcare, STEM, and trade occupations, these changes aim to make immigration more targeted and beneficial for both newcomers and employers.
If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry, consider upgrading your qualifications, gaining work experience in priority occupations, and staying informed about category-based draws.
