Keeping tabs on Canadian immigration? Then you need to know about the latest Express Entry changes. As announced on February 27, 2025, by the Honourable Minister Marc Miller (Immigration Minister at the time), the focus for category-based draws in 2025 is shifting, with a notable emphasis on candidates who already have Canadian work experience through the Canadian Experience Class. These category-specific draws, first introduced in 2023 to target in-demand skills across sectors such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and agriculture, are now undergoing a strategic recalibration.
Understanding these changes is crucial for your immigration journey. Let’s explore what this means for both prospective and current Express Entry candidates.
A New Education Category
Since the start of category-based selection in the Express Entry category-based draws in 2023, the categories and the job lists within them have stayed the same. However, the recent announcement brings important changes to these targeted draws for 2025. A key change is the creation of a new category specifically for people with work experience in Education jobs.
This new Education category includes these five job codes:
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
- Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221)
- Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220)
It’s worth noting that the job of Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203) used to be part of the Healthcare category. Also, the Transport category has been removed from the Express Entry category-based draws.
Updates to Eligible Job Lists within Express Entry Categories
The existing categories within the Express Entry Changes framework have also been revised to include new job codes. For instance, the Agriculture and Agri-food category, which previously listed three eligible occupations, now focuses solely on one: Butchers – retail and wholesale (NOC 63201).
The STEM category, in particular, has undergone significant changes as part of these Express Entry updates. The table below highlights the specific differences between the previous and the current occupational codes:
| 2023 STEM Occupations | 2025 STEM Occupations |
| Architects (21200) | No longer on the list |
| Architecture and science managers (20011) | Architecture and science managers (20011) |
| Business systems specialists (21221) | No longer on the list |
| Civil Engineers (21300) | Civil Engineers (21300) |
| Computer and information systems managers (20012) | No longer on the list |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311) | No longer on the list |
| Computer systems developers and programmers (21230) | No longer on the list |
| Cybersecurity specialists (21220) | Cybersecurity specialists (21220) |
| Data scientists (21211) | No longer on the list |
| Database analysts and data administrators (21223) | No longer on the list |
| Electrical and electronic engineers (21310) | Electrical and electronic engineers (21310) |
| Engineering managers (20010) | No longer on the list |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321) | Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321) |
| Information systems specialists (21222) | No longer on the list |
| Land surveyors (21203) | No longer on the list |
| Landscape architects (21201) | No longer on the list |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries (21210) | No longer on the list |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322) | No longer on the list |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41400) | No longer on the list |
| Software developers and programmers (21232) | No longer on the list |
| Software engineers and designers (21231) | No longer on the list |
| Urban and land use planners (21202) | No longer on the list |
| Web designers (21233) | No longer on the list |
| Web developers and programmers (21234) | No longer on the list |
| Not previously on the list | Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300) |
| Not previously on the list | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310) |
| Not previously on the list | Geological Engineers (21331) |
| Not previously on the list | Insurance agents and brokers (63100) |
| Not previously on the list | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22301) |
| Not previously on the list | Mechanical Engineers (21301) |
Understanding the Logic Behind Express Entry Category Creation
The next logical question is: how exactly are these category-based draws determined? It all starts with the government’s analysis of the Canadian labour market and its various needs. Category-based selection is essentially a way to meet the evolving demands for specific skills and expertise in particular regions or industries. Understanding these targeted draws is key for anyone exploring Canada Immigration Pathways, as Express Entry is a significant route within the overall system. But the process is a bit more nuanced than that.
The IRCC’s new pathway update outlines that categories are determined based on several factors. These include current and projected labour shortages, regional disparities, and the evolving needs of the Canadian economy. The government will review its priorities annually, which means the categories could change over time.
In short, while the primary focus will be on filling labour shortages, there will also be a focus on addressing regional needs. This means that the selection process could be quite fluid, reflecting the immediate needs in various parts of the country. For example, while tech talent may be in high demand across Canada, some provinces or territories may focus more heavily on workers in trades or healthcare. Successfully navigating these draws is a crucial step towards obtaining your Canadian PR Card.
It’s important to keep in mind that the category-based draws IRCC system is designed to be more flexible, providing targeted draws that can better respond to Canada’s shifting priorities.
Another key aspect of the Express Entry Changes involves the French-language proficiency category. This stream isn’t just another option; it directly reflects Canada’s strong commitment to its bilingual nature and the goal of actively supporting the French language in communities outside of Quebec – something clearly stated in Canada’s Official Languages Act. IRCC plays a key role in making it easier for French-speaking individuals to not only enter Canada but also to settle and integrate successfully.
For those navigating this specific pathway, seeking guidance from Express Entry Lawyers in Canada could provide valuable assistance in understanding the specific requirements and maximizing their chances of success.
Key Takeaways: Important Points to Know
Here are some quick takeaways regarding the recent Express Entry Changes and what they mean for prospective applicants:
- Immigration is the primary driver of Canada’s labour force growth and is crucial for addressing shortages in key sectors.
- Express Entry is Canada’s central application management system for permanent immigration through various federal programs and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
- Between 2018 and 2024, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class accounted for approximately 48% of all French-speaking immigrant admissions outside Quebec and about 64% of French-speaking economic immigrant admissions outside Quebec.
- In June 2022, there were IRCC new pathway updates in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which allowed for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes supporting economic priorities, such as specific work experience or French language proficiency.
While these changes undoubtedly create new opportunities, they also come with a level of unpredictability. It’s essential to stay up-to-date with any future IRCC category-based draws to understand better where your specific skills or qualifications might fit within the evolving system.
Conclusion
With these significant changes to the category-based express entry draw, Canada is shaping its immigration system to reflect the needs of the labour market better. While this shift promises exciting new opportunities for skilled workers, it’s crucial to stay informed and adaptable. The category-based draws IRCC system is now more dynamic than ever, opening up multiple pathways for those who meet the country’s evolving demands.
As these changes continue to roll out, it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer in Canada who can guide you through the process. An experienced lawyer in Canada can help you navigate the complexities of the system and ensure your application stands the best chance of success.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your options and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!
FAQs
What changes have recently been made to the Express Entry process?
The latest changes to the Express Entry process include the introduction of new targeted categories, such as education and specific occupations, to address Canada’s labour market needs.
Will category-based draw continue in 2025?
Yes, category-based Express Entry draws will continue in 2025. However, these draws will be more targeted, focusing on specific occupations, educational backgrounds, and regional needs.
Is TEER 3 eligible for Express Entry?
TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) 3 occupations are eligible for category-based draws, provided they align with the updated categories and occupation lists defined by the IRCC.
How to get 50 points for French in Express Entry?
To receive 50 points for French in Express Entry, you need to take an approved language test (like TEF or TCF) and achieve high proficiency in French, particularly in speaking, writing, and reading.
Did Canada remove the STEM from Express Entry?
No, Canada has not removed the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations from Express Entry. In fact, many of these fields are still in high demand, especially within specific category-based draws for tech-related occupations.
What occupations are removed from Express Entry?
Some occupations in fields that are no longer experiencing significant labour shortages may be removed from the category-based draws IRCC. However, the complete list of removed occupations is still being updated periodically based on labour market needs.