Express Entry - Category Changes
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates to Express Entry categories for 2025 on February 27, 2025. These updates bring notable changes to category-based draws, including the introduction of a new category and the removal of an existing one.
We have yet to see the new categories in the express entry draws but these types of draws typically have a lower CRS score. For those now listed and interested in permanent residence in Canada, entering the express entry pool is a good first.
Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025
The revised categories on IRCC’s website now include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and Social Services occupations
Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations
However, the priority categories for Express Entry invitations to apply (ITA) in 2025 are:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and Social Services occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations
Detailed Breakdown of Occupational Changes
Healthcare and Social Services Category
Newly Added Occupations:
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)
Removed Occupations:
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)
STEM Category
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)
Removed Occupations:
A total of 19 occupations removed, including Software Developers, Web Designers, Database Analysts, and more.
Trades Category
Newly Added Occupations:
Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services (NOC 82021, TEER 2)
Floor Covering Installers (NOC 73113, TEER 3)
Painters and Decorators (NOC 73112, TEER 3)
Roofers and Shinglers (NOC 73110, TEER 3)
Construction Managers (NOC 70010, TEER 0)
Home Building and Renovation Managers (NOC 70011, TEER 0)
Cooks (NOC 63200, TEER 3)
Several other skilled trade occupations
Removed Occupations:
Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC 73200, TEER 3)
Elevator Constructors and Mechanics (NOC 72406, TEER 2)
Machine Fitters (NOC 72405, TEER 2)
Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades (NOC 72014, TEER 2)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Category
Removed Occupations:
Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping (NOC 82031, TEER 2)
Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030, TEER 2)
New Education Category Occupations
With the launch of the Education category, the following occupations are now included:
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)
How Express Entry Categories Are Determined
Express Entry categories are determined by IRCC based on Canada's economic and demographic needs. The selection criteria typically focus on high-demand occupations that require an influx of skilled immigrants.
The French-language proficiency category aligns with Canada’s commitment to bilingualism, ensuring the continued growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
These major changes to Express Entry categories for 2025 reflect Canada’s evolving labor market needs. With the introduction of the Education category and a reshuffling of existing categories, prospective immigrants should carefully assess their eligibility under the new framework.
About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.