In a significant update to Canada’s immigration system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced major changes to the Express Entry system for 2025, introducing a new category and removing an existing one as part of its evolving approach to attracting skilled workers.
The biggest change is the addition of a new ‘Education’ category, which includes five teaching-related occupations. Meanwhile, the ‘Transport’ category has been removed from the category-based draws.
In another important shift, IRCC has expanded the ‘Healthcare’ category to include key social service occupations to better address growing labor shortages in these sectors.
Revised Express Entry Categories for 2025
As per IRCC’s latest update, the current Express Entry categories now include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare & Social Services (expanded to include additional occupations)
- Agriculture & Agri-Food
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
- Trades (significantly expanded with 19 new occupations)
- Education (newly introduced in 2025)
Despite keeping all these categories, IRCC has announced that priority will be given to the following for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in Express Entry draws:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare & Social Services
- Trades
- Education (newly added priority category)
What’s Changing? IRCC Expands Occupation Lists Across Multiple Categories
In addition to category changes, IRCC has made significant adjustments to eligible occupations, adding and removing several professions from the existing categories.
Healthcare & Social Services Category
Added:
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Social Workers (NOC 41300)
- Social & Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)
- Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111)
- Veterinary Technicians (NOC 32104)
Removed:
- Educational Counsellors (NOC 41320)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (NOC 32200)
- Kinesiologists (NOC 31204)
STEM Category
Added:
- Geological Engineers (NOC 21331)
- Civil & Mechanical Engineering Technologists (NOC 22300, 22301)
Removed:
- Software Engineers & Developers (NOC 21231, 21232)
- Computer & Information Systems Managers (NOC 20012)
- Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
Trades Category
Added:
- Industrial Electricians (NOC 72201)
- Machinists (NOC 72100)
- Construction Estimators (NOC 22303)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
Removed:
- Elevator Mechanics (NOC 72406)
- Residential & Commercial Installers (NOC 73200)
New Education Category: Who Qualifies?
The newly added Education category will prioritize skilled workers in the education sector, aiming to address shortages in schools and special education programs.
Occupations included in the new category:
- Elementary & Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41221, 41220)
- Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202)
- Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)
- Instructors for Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203)
According to IRCC, Express Entry categories are determined based on Canada’s economic and demographic needs. Labour market demand plays a crucial role in shaping the selection process, with priority given to occupations experiencing shortages across the country.
Additionally, French-language proficiency remains a key focus as part of Canada’s commitment to promoting bilingualism outside Quebec, in accordance with the Official Languages Act.