IRCC Announces 2025 Express Entry Categories with Major Changes
On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially announced the 2025 Express Entry categories, implementing significant changes to category-based draws. These changes include the introduction of a new category and the removal of another.
Key Changes to Express Entry Categories in 2025
- New Category: Education – Five occupations have been added under this category.
- Removed Category: Transport – This category has been eliminated from Express Entry draws.
- Expanded Healthcare Category: IRCC has incorporated several social service occupations into the existing healthcare category.
Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025
As per IRCC’s latest update, the current Express Entry categories include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services occupations (expanded with additional roles)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations (modified list)
- Trades occupations (expanded list)
- Education occupations (new category)
However, IRCC has prioritized four key categories for 2025, meaning candidates from these groups will receive higher consideration for Invitations to Apply (ITAs):
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
Changes in Occupation Lists for Express Entry Categories
Significant changes have been made to eligible occupations in each category, with some roles added and others removed.
| Category | Occupations Added | Occupations Removed |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & Social Services | 8 | 6 |
| STEM | 6 | 19 |
| Trades | 19 | 4 |
| Agriculture & Agri-Food | 0 | 2 |
Updated Occupation Lists for Each Category
Healthcare and Social Services: New Occupations Added
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Health Technologists & Veterinary Technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Cardiology Technologists & Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Other Medical Technologists & Technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 42201 | 2 |
| Social Workers | 41300 | 1 |
Healthcare and Social Services: Removed Occupations
- Educational Counsellors (41320)
- Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (42203)
- Kinesiologists & Therapy Professionals (31204)
- Other Assisting Health Service Occupations (33109)
- Other Natural Healing Practitioners (32209)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists (32200)
STEM: New Occupations Added
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists & Technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technologists & Technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists & Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Insurance Agents & Brokers | 63100 | 3 |
STEM: Removed Occupations
- Architects (21200)
- Business Systems Specialists (21221)
- Computer & Information Systems Managers (20012)
- Data Scientists (21211)
- Software Developers & Programmers (21232)
- Web Developers & Designers (21233, 21234)
- And 13 other roles
Trades: New Occupations Added
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors & Supervisors, Oil & Gas | 82021 | 2 |
| Floor Covering Installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Painters & Decorators | 73112 | 3 |
| Roofers & Shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Concrete Finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Electrical Mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Machinists & Tooling Inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Construction Managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
Trades: Removed Occupations
- Residential & Commercial Installers (73200)
- Elevator Mechanics (72406)
- Machine Fitters (72405)
- Other Construction Supervisors (72014)
New Education Category: Occupations Added
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary & Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early Childhood Educators & Assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary School & Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 | 1 |
How Are Express Entry Categories Determined?
The IRCC selects Express Entry categories based on Canada’s economic and demographic needs.
- Labour Market Needs: Categories like Healthcare, STEM, Trades, and Education target occupations where Canada faces significant workforce shortages.
- French-Language Proficiency: This category aligns with Canada’s Official Languages Act, aiming to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
The revised Express Entry system will ensure that Canada continues attracting skilled workers in priority sectors, addressing labor shortages and fostering economic growth.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
With the new Education category, additional occupations in Healthcare & Trades, and streamlined priority categories, 2025 offers new opportunities for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada.
Candidates should review the updated NOC codes and TEER levels, check their eligibility, and prepare their Express Entry profiles accordingly.
For the latest updates on Express Entry draws and immigration changes, stay tuned!