Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveils the new category for the Express Entry draws for 2025 as well as updated the list of occupations under existing categories on February 27, 2025.
This new IRCC update stamped our prediction of the new category for education occupations as we listed in our July 2024 article.
The Express Entry system, Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers, operates through a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection to target specific occupations and skills in high demand.
For 2025, the system is getting a major overhaul to better address labor shortages, demographic goals, and Canada’s bilingual identity.
These updates reflect Canada’s strategic focus on filling critical workforce gaps while promoting bilingualism and education—a move that could shape immigration trends for years to come.
While all categories remain active, IRCC has designated the following as priorities for ITAs in 2025:
These prioritized categories will receive more frequent and targeted draws, increasing opportunities for eligible candidates.
The 2025 updates go beyond adding and removing categories—IRCC has fine-tuned the occupation lists within each category to better align with Canada’s workforce needs.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the changes, including newly added and removed occupations.
The healthcare sector remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, with an aging population and growing demand for medical and social support services.
Occupations Added (8)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
| Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
Occupations Removed (6)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Educational counsellors | 41320 | 1 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment | 31204 | 1 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 | 3 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 | 2 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 | 2 |
The addition of social workers and pharmacists reflects a broader focus on community health and well-being, while the removal of niche roles like natural healing practitioners suggests a pivot toward mainstream healthcare professions.
STEM has seen a significant reduction, with no new occupations added and a whopping 19 removed.
Occupations Added (0)
Occupations Removed (19)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Architects | 21200 | 1 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 | 1 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 | 0 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 | 1 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 | 1 |
| Data scientists | 21211 | 1 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 | 1 |
| Engineering managers | 20010 | 0 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 | 1 |
| Land surveyors | 21203 | 1 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 | 1 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries | 21210 | 1 |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers | 21322 | 1 |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers | 41400 | 1 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 | 1 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 | 1 |
| Urban and land use planners | 21202 | 1 |
| Web designers | 21233 | 1 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 | 1 |
The removal of tech-heavy roles like software developers and data scientists may indicate sufficient domestic talent or a shift toward other priorities like trades and education.
Trades have been significantly expanded, with 19 new occupations added to address construction and infrastructure demands.
Occupations Added (19)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 | 0 |
| Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 | 2 |
Occupations Removed (4)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential and commercial installers and servicers | 73200 | 3 |
| Elevator constructors and mechanics | 72406 | 2 |
| Machine fitters | 72405 | 2 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers | 72014 | 2 |
The addition of roles like bricklayers and roofers highlights Canada’s booming construction sector and urgent need for skilled laborers.
A modest expansion with two new roles added.
Occupations Added (2)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services | 82031 | 2 |
| Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | 82030 | 2 |
Occupations Removed (0)
These additions bolster Canada’s agricultural backbone, ensuring sustainability in food production and land management.
The standout update for 2025, the Education category targets professionals shaping the next generation.
Occupations Added (5)
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
With Canada facing teacher shortages and a growing student population, this category addresses a critical gap in the education system.
The 2025 Express Entry changes reflect Canada’s proactive approach to immigration, balancing economic growth, labor demands, and cultural priorities.
Whether you’re a teacher eyeing the new Education category, a tradesperson capitalizing on expanded opportunities, or a French speaker leveraging bilingualism, these updates could be your ticket to permanent residence.
Stay ahead by understanding these shifts, optimizing your Express Entry profile, and aligning your skills with Canada’s needs.
For the latest updates, visit IRCC’s official website or consult an immigration expert.
Ready to make Canada your home in 2025? Share this guide and start planning your journey today!
IRCC ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the category criteria.
The highest-ranking candidates (based on CRS scores) receive ITAs for permanent residence.
For example, a secondary school teacher with a strong CRS score could be prioritized in an Education category draw, while a pharmacist might benefit from a Healthcare draw.
IRCC designs categories based on:
Labor Market Needs: Occupations are selected to fill gaps where Canadian workers are insufficient, such as healthcare and trades.
Economic Goals: STEM and agriculture roles drive innovation and food security.
Demographic Objectives: An aging population demands more healthcare and education professionals.
Bilingualism Commitment: The French-language proficiency category supports Canada’s Official Languages Act, promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
These factors ensure the Express Entry system evolves with Canada’s priorities, making it a dynamic tool for immigration.
Opportunities
Educators: The new Education category opens doors for teachers and assistants worldwide.
Trades Workers: Expanded trades occupations mean more chances for skilled laborers.
French Speakers: Continued emphasis on French proficiency boosts prospects for bilingual candidates.
Challenges
Transport Workers: Removal of the Transport category may force truck drivers and logistics workers to rely on general draws.
STEM Professionals: With 19 occupations cut, tech workers face stiffer competition in non-category draws.
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