CIC News 2025| New Targeted NOC Codes Announced
Canada’s 2025 Express Entry Categories: New Education Category and Updated Occupation Lists
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially unveiled its much-awaited 2025 Express Entry categories, featuring a significant update—introducing an Education category. Alongside this major addition, adjustments have been made to existing occupation-based categories, ensuring alignment with Canada’s labor market needs.
We previously shared a summary of the changes on February 27, highlighting the additions and removals of eligible occupations. However, many of our readers have requested a detailed list of all professions currently included in category-based Express Entry draws for 2025.
If you’re an aspiring immigrant aiming for permanent residency in Canada, this could be your chance! With sectors ranging from healthcare to STEM, skilled trades to agriculture, and now education, these targeted categories are designed to support Canada’s economic growth and workforce sustainability.
1. Healthcare and Social Services Category
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Category
3. Trade Category
4. Agriculture and Agri-Food Category
5. Education Category
Why These Categories Matter
The Express Entry system allows Canada to attract skilled workers who meet the country’s evolving labor market demands. Category-based draws prioritize candidates with experience in in-demand professions, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency.
To help you stay informed, we’ve compiled the full list of occupations that will be eligible for targeted Express Entry draws in 2025, categorized by industry sector.
Complete List of Eligible Occupations for 2025 Express Entry Category-Based Draws
Healthcare and Social Services – Includes professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers, addressing Canada’s ongoing healthcare staffing shortages.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) – Covers software engineers, data analysts, IT professionals, and research scientists, reflecting the tech-driven economy’s needs.
Trades – Encompasses electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction workers, vital for infrastructure growth and skilled labor demands.
Agriculture and Agri-Food – Supports Canada’s food security by prioritizing farm managers, agricultural technicians, and related roles.
Education – A newly introduced category targeting teachers, early childhood educators, and academic professionals to strengthen Canada’s education sector.
Understanding Category-Based Draws
Unlike traditional Express Entry draws, which rank candidates based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, category-based draws focus on applicants with work experience in designated high-demand sectors. This means that even candidates with moderate CRS scores may have an advantage if their profession is included in the targeted categories.
What’s Next?
With these updates, 2025 presents a promising opportunity for skilled professionals seeking Canadian immigration. Stay informed, save this list, and share it with others who may benefit from the latest Express Entry changes!