On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled a new category for the 2025 Express Entry draws and updated the list of occupations within existing categories.
This announcement confirms the prediction made by Immigration News Canada (INC) in July 2024 regarding the introduction of a category for education-related occupations.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
The Express Entry system, Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers, utilizes a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection to target specific occupations and skills in high demand. The 2025 overhaul further fine-tunes the system to address labor shortages, demographic goals, and Canada’s bilingual identity.
Key Highlights of 2025 Express Entry Changes
1. New Category for Education Occupations
As predicted by INC, a new Education category has been added, targeting teachers, educators, and support staff essential to Canada’s education system.
2. Transport Category Removed
The previously existing transport category has been removed, reflecting changes in labor market needs.
3. Expansion of Healthcare and Social Services
Eight new occupations, including pharmacists and social workers, have been added, while six less-relevant roles were removed.
4. Prioritized Categories for 2025
IRCC has identified four priority categories for Invitations to Apply (ITAs), as predicted by INC:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
These updates demonstrate Canada’s strategic focus on addressing workforce gaps, promoting bilingualism, and strengthening its education system.
2025 Priority Categories for Express Entry Draws
While all categories remain active, IRCC has designated the following as priorities for ITAs in 2025:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
These priority categories will receive more frequent, targeted draws, offering greater opportunities for eligible candidates.
Full Breakdown of 2025 Express Entry Categories
1. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
The healthcare sector remains a key focus of Canada’s immigration strategy, addressing the growing need for medical and social support services due to an aging population.
Occupations Added (8):
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists
- Other medical technologists and technicians
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Social and community service workers
- Social workers
Occupations Removed (6):
- Educational counsellors
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- Other practitioners of natural healing
- Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
There has been a significant reduction in STEM occupations, with no new roles added and 19 removed.
Occupations Removed (19):
- Architects
- Business systems specialists
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- Data scientists
- Software developers and programmers
- Web developers and programmers
The removal of roles such as software developers and data scientists may signal that the demand for these professions is being met domestically or that labor market priorities have shifted.
3. Trades Occupations
The trades category has seen considerable expansion, with 19 new occupations added to address the growing demand in construction and infrastructure.
Occupations Added (19):
- Contractors and supervisors in oil and gas drilling
- Floor covering installers
- Painters and decorators
- Roofers and shinglers
- Concrete finishers
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Bricklayers
- Gas fitters
- Industrial electricians
- Sheet metal workers
Occupations Removed (4):
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- Elevator constructors and mechanics
- Machine fitters
- Contractors and supervisors in other construction trades
The addition of roles such as bricklayers and roofers highlights Canada’s increasing need for skilled workers in the construction sector.
4. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
There has been a modest expansion in this category with the addition of two new roles.
Occupations Added (2):
- Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services
- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
5. Education Occupations (New Category)
The new Education category targets professionals in the education sector, addressing the shortage of teachers and educators in Canada.
Occupations Added (5):
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- Secondary school teachers
Given Canada’s teacher shortages and growing student population, this new category aims to fill a critical gap in the education system.
Your Path to Canada in 2025
The 2025 updates reflect Canada’s proactive approach to immigration, aiming to meet labor needs, support economic growth, and prioritize bilingualism and education. Whether you are a teacher targeting the new Education category, a skilled tradesperson, or a French speaker, these changes present valuable opportunities for obtaining permanent residence.
To stay ahead, optimize your Express Entry profile by aligning your skills with Canada’s evolving labor market. For the latest updates, visit IRCC’s official website or consult an immigration expert.
Who’s Eligible for Category-Based Express Entry Draws?
To qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through a category-based draw, candidates must:
- Meet the minimum Express Entry eligibility requirements, including eligibility for one of the three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Meet the specific requirements for the category in the draw round.
How Category-Based Express Entry Draws Work
IRCC ranks candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates who meet the category criteria are ranked, and those with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. For example, a secondary school teacher with a strong CRS score may be prioritized in an Education category draw, while a pharmacist could be targeted in a Healthcare category draw.
How Are Express Entry Categories Determined?
IRCC selects categories based on:
- Labor Market Needs: Occupations chosen to address workforce shortages.
- Economic Goals: Roles in STEM and agriculture help drive innovation and food security.
- Demographic Objectives: Canada’s aging population demands more healthcare and education professionals.
- Bilingualism Commitment: The French-language proficiency category supports Canada’s Official Languages Act, promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
What Do These Changes Mean for Applicants?
Opportunities:
- Educators: The new Education category creates new pathways for teachers and assistants.
- Trades Workers: Expanded trades occupations increase chances for skilled laborers.
- French Speakers: The focus on French proficiency boosts prospects for bilingual candidates.
Challenges:
- Transport Workers: The removal of the Transport category may limit options for truck drivers and logistics workers.
- STEM Professionals: With the removal of 19 tech occupations, competition for draws will be fiercer for tech professionals.
