Canada Announces Express Entry Occupation Updates for 2025
In a significant move to address Canada’s evolving labor market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced updates to the Express Entry system for 2025. These changes include the introduction of a new Education Occupations category and modifications to existing categories in STEM, Healthcare, and Trade Occupations, and the removal of the Transport category, ensuring better alignment with the country’s economic priorities.
Introduction of the Education Occupations Category
Recognizing the essential role of educators in shaping Canada’s future workforce, IRCC has introduced the Education Occupations category within the Express Entry system. This category aims to attract skilled professionals in the education sector to meet the increasing demand for qualified educators across the country.
The following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes have been designated under this new category:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | 1 |
Modifications to Existing Occupation Categories
STEM Occupations
Several occupations have been added and removed from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) category:
Newly Added Occupations:
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
- Geological engineers (21331)
- Insurance agents and brokers (63100)
- Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301)
- Removed Occupations:
- Engineering managers (20010)
- Architecture and science managers (20011)
- Computer and information systems managers (20012)
- Architects (21200)
- Landscape architects (21201)
- Urban and land use planners (21202)
- Land surveyors (21203)
- Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries (21210)
- Data scientists (21211)
- Business systems specialists (21221)
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
- Software engineers and designers (21231)
- Software developers and programmers (21232)
- Web designers (21233)
- Web developers and programmers (21234)
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311)
- Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322)
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41400)
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Adjustments have been made in the healthcare sector to reflect the latest workforce demands.
Newly Added Occupations:
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
- Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
- Social workers (NOC 41300)
- Social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
- Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
- Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
Removed Occupations:
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109)
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (31204)
- Other practitioners of natural healing (32209)
- Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (32200)
- Educational counsellors (41320)
- Instructors of persons with disabilities (42203)
Trade Occupations
The trade category has been expanded to recognize the contributions of skilled laborers in various industries.
Newly Added Occupations:
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Construction estimators (NOC 22303)
- Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
- Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
- Gas fitters (NOC 72302)
- Industrial electricians (NOC 72201)
- Sheet metal workers (NOC 72102)
- Floor covering installers (NOC 73113)
- Painters and decorators (NOC 73112)
- Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110)
- Concrete finishers (NOC 73100)
- Other technical trades and related occupations (NOC 72999)
- Water well drillers (NOC 72501)
- Electrical mechanics (NOC 72422)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100)
- Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011)
- Construction managers (NOC 70010)
- Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021)
Removed Occupations:
- Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (72014)
- Machine fitters (NOC 72405)
- Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406)
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200)
Removal of the Transport Category
In an effort to refine labor market prioritization, IRCC has removed the Transport Occupations category from the Express Entry system. This decision reflects shifting economic priorities and workforce availability within Canada.
Final Thoughts
These updates to the Express Entry system reflect IRCC’s ongoing efforts to align immigration policies with Canada’s labor market needs. By prioritizing critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and skilled trades, these changes will help address labor shortages and ensure sustainable economic growth.
For a complete list of eligible occupations and further details on the category-based selection criteria, visit the official IRCC website.
