Canada’s 2025 Express Entry Changes: New Categories, Removed Occupations & Prioritized Sectors

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced significant changes to the Express Entry system for 2025, which were announced on February 27, 2025. These updates impact category-based draws, with a new category being introduced and another removed.

If you are an aspiring immigrant to Canada, it is essential to understand these changes and how they may impact your eligibility for Express Entry.

Key Changes to Express Entry in 2025

1. Introduction of the Education Category

A brand-new category, Education, has been introduced for Express Entry category-based draws. This category includes five specific occupations, further broadening opportunities for professionals in the education sector.

2. Removal of the Transport Category

Previously, transport-related occupations were part of the category-based draws. However, IRCC has decided to remove this category for 2025.

3. Expansion of the Healthcare Category

The IRCC has made significant modifications to the healthcare category by incorporating social service occupations. This inclusion reflects Canada’s growing demand for workers in social services and community-based roles.

4. Major Changes to Existing Categories

IRCC has updated eligible occupations under all remaining categories, adding new ones while removing others. These modifications impact applicants based on labor market needs.

Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025

The current Express Entry categories as listed on the IRCC website are:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and Social Service occupations (Expanded!)

• Agriculture and Agri-food occupations

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations

• Trades occupations (Updated!)

• Education occupations (Newly Added!)

Prioritized Categories for Invitations to Apply (ITA) in 2025

While all the above categories remain active, IRCC has identified the following as priority categories for 2025:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and Social Service occupations

• Trades occupations

• Education occupations

Applicants in these prioritized categories will have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry category-based draws.

Occupation-Specific Changes in Express Entry Categories

Healthcare and Social Services Category

Added Occupations:

Removed Occupations:

STEM Category

Removed Occupations:

IRCC has significantly reduced the number of eligible occupations under the STEM category, removing 19 occupations. Some of the notable removals include:

• Architects (NOC 21200)

• Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)

• Computer engineers (NOC 21311)

• Data Scientists (NOC 21211)

• Software Developers (NOC 21232)

• Web Designers (NOC 21233)

Trades Category

Added Occupations:

Removed Occupations:

• Residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200)

• Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Category

Added Occupations:

• Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services (NOC 82031)

• Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)

New Education Category

The Education category has been introduced with the following occupations:

Why These Changes Matter

• IRCC carefully chooses Express Entry categories based on Canada’s economic and demographic needs. Most occupation-based categories are included due to labor shortages in key industries.

• Labor Market Demand: Categories align with Canada’s workforce needs, ensuring economic growth and job fulfillment.

• French-Language Proficiency: Canada remains committed to bilingualism, promoting French outside of Quebec as per the Official Languages Act.

• Workforce Gaps: The education, trades, and healthcare sectors continue to be a focus for IRCC, given the high demand for professionals in these fields.