NEW 2025 Express Entry Category Changes: What You Need to Know
Canada’s Express Entry system has undergone its first major update since 2023, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introducing significant changes to the eligible Express Entry Categories. These updates reflect Canada’s shifting labour market demands and the government’s long-term immigration goals, particularly in the areas of education, health care, trades, and Francophone immigration.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Express Entry Categories Update
New Education Category Added – A dedicated category for teachers, early childhood educators, and disability instructors has been introduced, reflecting Canada’s need for more educators.
Healthcare Category Adjusted – While most frontline healthcare roles remain, specialists in laboratory medicine, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and medical administrative assistants have been removed, signaling a shift toward prioritizing patient-facing medical professionals.
Trades Category Remains Stable – Skilled trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians continue to be prioritized, reinforcing Canada’s focus on infrastructure development and the housing sector.
Transportation Category Removed – Occupations such as transport truck drivers and aircraft mechanics are no longer eligible under category-based draws.
STEM and Agriculture Categories Reduced – IT and data-related professions, such as software engineers and data scientists, have been removed from STEM, while agriculture roles have been cut back significantly, leaving butchers as the only eligible occupation.
Continued Focus on French-Speaking Candidates – The French-language proficiency category remains a key pathway, supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec and ensuring bilingual workforce growth.
2023 vs. 2025: What’s Changed?
IRCC first introduced category-based selection in Express Entry in 2023, targeting key industries with labour shortages. However, the 2025 changes represent a more focused approach, eliminating some categories entirely and scaling back others. Below is a breakdown of the most significant changes.
1. Transportation Category Eliminated
One of the most notable removals is the Transportation category, which previously included:
Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300)
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors (NOC 72404)
Railway carmen/women (NOC 72403)
These occupations are no longer prioritized, meaning candidates in these fields will no longer receive category-based invitations through Express Entry.
2. STEM Occupations Reduced
Canada has made major adjustments to the occupations eligible under STEM category-based Express Entry draws. These changes indicate a shift away from prioritizing IT and data-related roles and toward a greater emphasis on engineering, infrastructure, and industrial fields. Most of the tech and data-focused roles have been removed from the STEM category, signaling a move away from prioritizing digital industries under Express Entry:
Architects (NOC 21200)
Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311)
Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
Data scientists (NOC 21211)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)
Land surveyors (NOC 21203)
Landscape architects (NOC 21201)
Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 21210)
Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322)
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers (NOC 41400)
Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202)
Web designers (NOC 21233) and web developers (NOC 21234)
These removals indicate a reduction in prioritization for IT professionals, statisticians, and software engineers, which may impact those looking to immigrate under category-based draws.
In contrast, the STEM category has been expanded to include more engineering and technical roles, reflecting Canada’s focus on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development:
Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300)
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310)
Geological engineers (NOC 21331)
Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301)
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301)
Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100) (an unexpected addition, likely due to the demand for risk analysis and actuarial expertise)
These changes suggest a significant policy shift in Canada’s approach to skilled worker immigration:
IT and tech professionals will need to rely on alternative pathways. With software engineers, web developers, and data scientists removed from the STEM category, candidates in these fields should explore employer-driven options like:
Global Talent Stream (GTS) for expedited work permits
Tech-focused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (such as Ontario’s or British Columbia’s tech draws)
Employer-sponsored LMIA-based work permits
A stronger focus on engineering and industrial sectors. Canada appears to be prioritizing occupations that support construction, energy, and infrastructure projects, rather than purely digital innovation. This shift aligns with government investments in public infrastructure and clean energy projects.
Surprising inclusion of insurance agents and brokers. While traditionally not considered a STEM field, this addition could reflect Canada’s demand for professionals skilled in risk assessment, financial modeling, and actuarial work, which overlaps with data analytics.
For those in affected IT and tech professions, this shift means Express Entry may no longer be the most direct pathway. Instead, alternative immigration streams—such as employer sponsorship and provincial nominations—will play a much larger role in bringing tech workers to Canada. Meanwhile, engineers and technical specialists stand to benefit from these changes, as their roles remain highly sought after in Canada’s evolving economic landscape.
3. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations Scaled Back
The Agriculture category, which in 2023 included occupations such as general farm workers, agricultural service contractors, and harvesting labourers, has been significantly reduced. For 2025, only butchers (NOC 63201) remain eligible.
This suggests a policy shift away from agricultural labour needs in Express Entry, potentially signaling that these roles will be filled through other immigration streams, such as the Agri-Food Pilot or provincial nominee programs.
3. Healthcare Occupations see a cut as well
The 2023 Healthcare category included a broad range of medical professionals, from physicians and nurses to traditional and alternative medicine practitioners. In 2025, while most core healthcare roles remain, several occupations have been removed, while others have been newly added, reflecting a refinement rather than a complete overhaul of the category.
Several roles that were previously eligible for category-based Express Entry draws have been excluded in 2025. These include:
Specialists in laboratory medicine (NOC 31111)
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200)
Medical administrative assistants (NOC 13112)
Other technical occupations in healthcare (NOC 32199)
Educational counsellors (NOC 41320)
Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (NOC 31204)
Other assisting occupations in support of health services (NOC 33109)
Other practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209)
These removals suggest a shift toward prioritizing direct patient care roles over specialized, administrative, or complementary healthcare professions. The exclusion of specialists in laboratory medicine (NOC 31111) indicates a focus on frontline medical workers rather than diagnostic and research-based professionals. Similarly, the removal of Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200) suggests that Express Entry is now emphasizing conventional Western medical professions, likely expecting alternative medicine providers to immigrate through other pathways, such as self-employment or employer sponsorship.
The elimination of medical administrative assistants (NOC 13112) and other assisting occupations in healthcare (NOC 33109) further reinforces this shift, signaling that support roles are expected to be filled domestically rather than through economic immigration programs. Additionally, the removal of educational counsellors (NOC 41320) and instructors for persons with disabilities (NOC 42203) suggests a reduction in prioritization for social services-related professions under Express Entry.
Despite these removals, Canada has also introduced new occupations to the healthcare category, reinforcing its commitment to addressing critical shortages in frontline medical care. The following roles have now been included:
Chiropractors (NOC 31201)
Denturists (NOC 31112)
Massage therapists (NOC 32201)
Midwives and practitioners of natural medicine (NOC 31200)
Paramedical occupations (NOC 32109)
Social Workers (NOC 41300), and
Social and Community Service Workers (NOC 42201)
The addition of midwives (NOC 31200) and paramedical occupations (NOC 32109) aligns with Canada’s continued emphasis on improving maternal healthcare and emergency medical response. Similarly, chiropractors (NOC 31201) and massage therapists (NOC 32201) suggest an increased recognition of rehabilitative and pain management professions, which are crucial for addressing long-term patient care in an aging population. Interestingly, while Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists (NOC 32200) have been removed, midwives and other natural medicine practitioners (NOC 31200) have been added, indicating that some forms of alternative medicine are still valued in Canada’s evolving healthcare landscape.
The updated healthcare category still provides strong opportunities for medical professionals, particularly nurses, physicians, paramedics, and allied health workers. The addition of chiropractors, massage therapists, and midwives suggests that Canada is expanding its definition of essential healthcare, incorporating more rehabilitative and preventive care professions.
For those whose occupations have been removed, alternative pathways such as provincial nominee programs (PNPs), employer-driven work permits, or specialized healthcare immigration streams may now be the best options. As Canada continues to adapt its healthcare workforce strategy, these updates indicate a refined approach, ensuring that Express Entry prioritizes roles with the most immediate impact on patient care and healthcare accessibility.
4. Trades category sees some major shifts
Trades also see a cut in this latest round of adjustments, with several occupations no longer qualifying under category-based Express Entry draws. Among those removed are:
residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200),
elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406),
machine fitters (NOC 72405), and
contractors and supervisors in other construction trades (NOC 72014).
This suggests that while Canada continues to prioritize skilled trades, it is narrowing its focus to the most critical labor shortages. Roles that require specialized training but are not experiencing widespread shortages may now be redirected to employer-driven pathways, such as provincial nominee programs (PNPs) or LMIA-supported work permits. For trades workers in these affected occupations, this shift means that securing a job offer may become an essential step in the immigration process rather than relying on Express Entry alone.
On the other hand, Trades also see some expansions, with several new occupations added to category-based Express Entry draws. The latest changes highlight a stronger focus on construction, resource extraction, and skilled mechanical trades:
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021)
Floor covering installers (NOC 73113)
Painters and decorators (except interior 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)
Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
Gas fitters (NOC 72302)
Industrial electricians (NOC 72201)
Sheet metal workers (NOC 72102)
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100)
Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011)
Construction managers (NOC 70010)
Cooks (NOC 63200)
Construction estimators (NOC 22303)
Overall, the changes to the Trades category reflect a more targeted approach to skilled trades immigration, prioritizing occupations essential to construction, resource extraction, and infrastructure development. While some specialized roles have been removed, the addition of several new trades—including construction managers, industrial electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and machinists—suggests that Canada is aligning its immigration strategy with pressing labor shortages in hands-on, high-demand fields. For workers in trades that are no longer eligible under Express Entry, employer sponsorship and provincial nominee programs will likely become the primary pathways to PR.
5. New Education Category Introduced
A major addition to the 2025 Express Entry categories is the Education category, which prioritizes:
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100)
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
Elementary and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221)
Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220)
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The 2025 Express Entry changes highlight a strategic shift in Canada’s immigration policy, focusing on sectors with long-term labour shortages while narrowing the scope of category-based selection in other fields. These updates have direct implications for candidates in both high-demand and previously prioritized sectors.
A More Targeted Approach to Labour Market Gaps
The addition of the Education category signals that Canada is now treating teacher shortages as a pressing national issue, alongside healthcare and skilled trades. This change aligns with the increased demand for early childhood educators, secondary school teachers, and special education instructors, particularly as Canada’s population grows and school systems struggle with staffing shortages. Candidates with teaching experience now have a clearer pathway to permanent residence, reflecting Canada’s broader efforts to stabilize its education workforce.
Similarly, health care and skilled trades remain a top priority, reinforcing Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract professionals in sectors where local talent shortages persist. The retention of healthcare occupations, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, is unsurprising given the chronic shortages in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Likewise, skilled trades such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenterscontinue to be in demand, as Canada pushes forward with infrastructure development and housing initiatives.
For candidates in these high-demand fields, the changes increase the likelihood of receiving an Express Entry invitation. Those who were previously considering employer-driven pathways, such as Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or provincial programs, now have a clearer path to permanent residence through category-based selection.
French-Speaking Candidates Maintain Their Advantage
The continued prioritization of French-speaking candidates highlights Canada’s commitment to Francophone immigration outside Quebec. This strategy supports economic and demographic growth in Francophone minority communities, particularly in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. For candidates with strong French language skills, the Express Entry system remains one of the most competitive pathways to permanent residence, particularly for those with professional experience in a high-demand occupation.
A Tougher Road for IT and Agriculture Workers
While Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations remain on the list, the category has been significantly reduced, signaling a shift away from prioritizing IT professionals and data-driven roles. This reduction suggests that Canada is moving toward a more employer-driven approach to tech immigration, with programs like the Global Talent Stream (GTS) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams for tech workers likely absorbing demand. IT professionals who previously saw Express Entry as a primary pathway may now need to rely on employer sponsorship or explore alternative provincial immigration streams.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture category has been almost entirely removed, with butchers (NOC 63201) being the only remaining eligible occupation. This indicates that seasonal and lower-wage agricultural work will likely be addressed through temporary work permits rather than permanent immigration pathways. Candidates in this sector may need to explore employer-specific work permits, the Agri-Food Pilot, or provincial programs that still offer permanent residence options for agricultural workers.
Transportation Workers Face Major Setbacks
The complete removal of the Transportation category is one of the most striking changes. This decision affects candidates who previously qualified under NOC codes such as transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) and aircraft mechanics (NOC 72404). This removal suggests that Canada may now prefer to fill transportation labour shortages through temporary foreign worker programs (TFWP) or employer-driven initiatives, rather than Express Entry.
For transportation workers hoping to immigrate to Canada, the lack of a direct Express Entry pathway means they will likely need a job offer and an employer willing to support their work permit application. Provincial nominee programs, particularly in trucking-heavy provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, may still provide options, but the removal from Express Entry means fewer independent pathways to permanent residence.
Final Thoughts: A More Selective Express Entry System
These updates reinforce a more selective and policy-driven approach to Express Entry, where Canada is shifting away from broad-based economic selection in favour of targeted invitations in critical sectors.
Candidates in education, health care, and skilled trades now have a stronger advantage, while IT, transportation, and agricultural workers may find it significantly harder to qualify through Express Entry alone. For those affected by these changes, exploring alternative immigration pathways, such as provincial nominee programs or employer-sponsored work permits, will be crucial.
With Express Entry becoming more sector-specific, staying informed and understanding how these changes affect your eligibility is more important than ever. If you are considering applying, consulting an immigration professional can help you assess your best options in this evolving landscape.
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About the author:
IGOR KYRYLIUK
Canadian Immigration Lawyer, LLM
