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The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced the Canada Express Entry changes 2025 as of February 27, 2025. This year brings significant changes, including the introduction of a new category and the removal of another, reshaping the category-based draw system.
Table of Content
1Key Changes to Express Entry Categories in 20252Introduction of a New Education Category3Changes to Existing Express Entry Categories4Adjustments to Eligible Occupations5How These Changes Affect Applicants6Tips to Improve Express Entry Profile7Frequently Asked Questions
Key Changes to Express Entry Categories in 2025
New Category Introduced: Education (with five eligible occupations).
Category Removed: Transport.
Expanded Categories: Additional social service occupations added to the Healthcare category.
Current Express Entry Categories
The IRCC has listed the following categories for Express Entry in 2025:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social service occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations (newly introduced in 2025)
Among these, IRCC has prioritized the following categories for Invitations to Apply (ITA) through category-based draws.
Introduction of a New Education Category
One of the most significant Canada Express Entry changes 2025 is the introduction of the Education category in Express Entry. This category aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the education sector.
Jobs Included in the Education Category
Professionals in these roles now have a pathway to Canadian permanent residency:
| 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 |
Changes to Existing Express Entry Categories
While Canada Express Entry changes 2025, IRCC has made significant adjustments by adding or removing specific jobs to better align with Canada’s workforce needs. For example, IRCC has introduced an education occupation category, removed the transport category, and expanded the healthcare category.
Several Job Categories have been Updated and Refined
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations: Previously labeled as “Healthcare Occupations,” this category now includes additional roles such as animal health technologists, veterinary technicians, and cardiology technologists.
Trades Occupations: Expanded to address skilled labor shortages, now covering roles like roofers, shinglers, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and bricklayers.
Removal of the Transport Occupation Category: In a notable change, IRCC has removed the Transport category from its targeted immigration streams. This means that professions previously eligible under this category may no longer receive priority selection through Express Entry draws.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations: Refocused to emphasize key roles, now primarily featuring butchers in both retail and wholesale sectors.
Adjustments to Eligible Occupations
With the Canada Express Entry changes 2025, the previous occupation list has been updated. The revised list for each category is given below:
Healthcare and Social Services Category Updates
New occupations have been added to meet growing demands in healthcare:
| Job Title | NOC Code (2021) | TEER Category (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine | 31100 | 1 |
| Specialists in Surgery | 31101 | 1 |
| General Practitioners and Family Physicians | 31102 | 1 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
| Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
| Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
| Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
| Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
| Occupational Therapists | 31203 | 1 |
| Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating | 31209 | 1 |
| Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
| Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses | 31301 | 1 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
| Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals | 31303 | 1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 | 2 |
| Paramedical Occupations | 32102 | 2 |
| Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists | 32103 | 2 |
| Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment | 32109 | 2 |
| Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technologists | 32120 | 2 |
| Medical Radiation Technologists | 32121 | 2 |
| Medical Sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
| Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Other Medical Technologists and Technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Massage Therapists | 32201 | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations | 33101 | 3 |
| Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates | 33102 | 3 |
| Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants | 33103 | 3 |
| Social Workers | 41300 | 1 |
| Therapists in Counselling and Related Specialized Therapies | 41301 | 1 |
| Social and Community Service Workers | 42201 | 2 |
STEM Category Updates
Many tech-related roles were removed, while new positions were introduced:
| Job Title | NOC Code (2021) | TEER Category (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Science Managers | 20011 | 0 |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 21220 | 1 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 21310 | 1 |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers | 21321 | 1 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Insurance Agents and Brokers | 63100 | 3 |
Trades Category Updates
| Job Title | NOC Code (2021) | TEER Category (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Estimators | 22303 | 2 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
| Construction Managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Home Building and Renovation Managers | 70011 | 0 |
| Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 | 2 |
| Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System) | 72200 | 2 |
| Industrial Electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Plumbers | 72300 | 2 |
| Gas Fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Carpenters | 72310 | 2 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics | 72400 | 2 |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
| Electrical Mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Water Well Drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Other Technical Trades and Related Occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Concrete Finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Roofers and Shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Painters and Decorators (Except Interior Decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Floor Covering Installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services | 82021 | 2 |
Agriculture and Agri-Food Category Updates
While not prioritized, this category has seen some improvements:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 | 3 |
How these Changes Affect Applicants
The Canada Express Entry Changes 2025 bring both opportunities and challenges for applicants. Understanding the impact of these changes can help candidates refine their immigration strategy.
1. Increased Opportunities for Educators
- With the introduction of the Education category, professionals such as school teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities now have a direct pathway to permanent residency.
- Previously, educators had to rely on general Express Entry draws or provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which made immigration uncertain. This change simplifies the process for those in education-related fields.
2. Expanded Opportunities in Healthcare and Social Services
- The Healthcare category now includes social service roles, such as social workers and community service workers, allowing more professionals in these fields to qualify.
- Newly added healthcare occupations (e.g., cardiology technologists, veterinary technicians) provide additional options for those in specialized healthcare roles.
- This is great news for candidates already working in healthcare, as demand in this sector remains high.
3. Trades Professionals Have an Advantage
- The Trades category has expanded to include more occupations like bricklayers, roofers, and heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
- The construction industry in Canada is experiencing a labor shortage, so applicants in these fields have higher chances of receiving ITAs (Invitations to Apply).
4. Removal of the Transport Category – What It Means
- Truck drivers, bus drivers, and other transport professionals were previously eligible under Express Entry but no longer receive category-based invitations.
- These professionals may now need to apply through PNPs or employer-sponsored work permits.
5. French-Speaking Applicants Remain Highly Preferred
- The French-language proficiency category continues to be prioritized, making it easier for bilingual or French-speaking candidates to receive ITAs.
- Applicants who can improve their TEF or TCF scores will have a competitive advantage.
Tips to Improve Express Entry Profile
With Canada Express entry changes 2025, applicants must optimize their profiles to improve their chances of selection. Here are six key strategies:
1. Enhance Your Language Scores: Higher IELTS or TEF scores can significantly boost your CRS points.
2. Gain More Work Experience: Accumulating experience in an in-demand field increases your chances of selection.
3. Consider a Provincial Nomination: Some provinces prioritize occupations not covered under federal categories.
4. Improve Educational Credentials: Obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and pursuing further studies can add points.
5. Apply for Job Offers: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can strengthen your Express Entry profile.
6. Stay Updated with Policy Changes: Keeping track of IRCC updates ensures you’re aware of any new opportunities.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, staying informed about these updates can improve your chances of qualifying under Express Entry.
Looking to navigate the new Express Entry system? Contact us for expert guidance!
