Changes in Canada Express Entry Draw Categories: 2025 Updates
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Learn about the latest changes in Canada’s Express Entry draw categories for 2025, including a new category and updated occupation lists. Stay informed on how these updates impact immigration opportunities.
Canada is refining its Express Entry system in 2025 to align with labour market needs, demographic objectives, and its bilingual framework. On February 27, 2025, IRCC introduced a new category for Express Entry draws and revised the list of eligible occupations. Let’s explore these latest updates in detail.
Major Updates to Canada’s Express Entry System for 2025
Canada's Express Entry system is set for significant updates in 2025, reshaping immigration pathways. Here are the key changes impacting various professions.
- New Education Category Added: A dedicated education category has been introduced for teachers, educators, and support staff to strengthen Canada’s education sector.
- Transport Category Removed: The transport sector is no longer part of category-based draws, reflecting changes in workforce demand.
- Healthcare and Social Services Expansion: Eight new roles, including pharmacists and social workers, have been added, while six positions with lower demand have been removed.
- Key Priority Groups for ITAs: The IRCC has identified four priority categories for Invitations to Apply (ITAs):
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare and social service occupations
- Skilled trade occupations
- Education sector occupations
Also Read: What’s New in Canada Express Entry System?
Breakdown of Express Entry Draw Categories for 2025
IRCC has refined Express Entry occupation lists to match Canada’s labour market demands. Here is a detailed look at the changes in the lists including new additions and removals.
1. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Here is a list of occupations added and removed from this category.
Occupations Added
| 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
| 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 |
Check out: How Has Your Chances Increased for Canada PR Through Express Entry in 2025?
2. STEM Occupations
The STEM category has experienced a major cutback, with 19 occupations removed and no new additions. Below are the details of these changes.
Occupations Removed
| 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 |
Quick Read: How Express Entry Tie Breaker Rule Boosts Your Canada PR Chances?
3. Trade Occupations
The trade sector has seen substantial growth, with 19 additional occupations now included. Here are the newly added roles.
Occupations Added
| 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, 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
| 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 |
Also Read: Canada’s Latest PNP Express Entry Draw Sees CRS at 750
4. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
For this category, two new occupations were added, and no removals. Here is a list of the new occupations.
Occupations Added
| 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 |
5. Education Occupations (New)
Here is a detailed list of the occupations added to this new category.
Occupations Added
| 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 |
Get more details about the occupations in the education category here.
Let GetGIS Guide Your Express Entry Journey to Canada! Contact Now!
Canada’s Express Entry system is evolving in 2025, with new priorities set for educators, healthcare professionals, and trade workers. These changes align with labour market needs, ensuring a more targeted immigration process.
GetGIS simplifies your Express Entry journey by offering expert guidance, profile evaluation, and tailored support to boost your chances of success.
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