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The Canadian Express Entry system has undergone significant changes for 2025, focusing on aligning immigration policies with labor market needs and enhancing the selection process for skilled workers.

This year, the system introduces new categories and refines existing ones to address critical labor shortages in key sectors. Below is a detailed guide to the new occupations and changes in the Express Entry system for 2025.

Introduction to Express Entry Changes for 2025

Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers, using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates. 

For 2025, the system has been updated to include new occupation categories and to prioritize certain sectors over others. 

These changes aim to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers into areas with significant labor shortages, such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades.

New and Prioritized Occupations for 2025

1. Education Occupations

Introduction of a New Category: For the first time, Canada has introduced an Express Entry category specifically targeting education-related occupations. This includes roles such as teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities.

Purpose: This move addresses the growing shortage of qualified educators across Canada, ensuring schools and childcare centers can meet increasing demand.

• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants: 43100, TEER Level 3
• Instructors of persons with disabilities: 42203, TEER Level 2
• Early childhood educators and assistants: 42202, TEER Level 2
• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers: 41221, TEER Level 1
• Secondary school teachers: 41220, TEER Level 1

2. Healthcare and Social Services

Expansion of the Healthcare Category: The healthcare category has been expanded to include more social services roles, such as family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists.

Priority Sector: Healthcare and social services are among the priority sectors for category-based draws in 2025, reflecting Canada’s need for skilled professionals in these areas.

• Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians: 32104, TEER Level 2
• Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists: 32123, TEER Level 2
• Dental hygienists and dental therapists: 32111, TEER Level 2
• Other medical technologists and technicians: 32129, TEER Level 2
• Pharmacists: 31120, TEER Level 1
• Pharmacy technicians: 32124, TEER Level 2
• Social and community service workers: 42201, TEER Level 2
• Social workers: 41300, TEER Level 1

3. Skilled Trades

Expansion of Trades Category: The trades category has been expanded with additional National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes to address skilled labor shortages in areas like carpentry and plumbing.

Priority Sector: Trades occupations are also a priority for category-based draws, highlighting the importance of skilled tradespeople in Canada’s workforce.

• Additional NOC codes have been added to address skilled labor shortages, but specific new occupations are not detailed in the search results. However, the focus remains on expanding this category to meet labor needs.

4. French-Language Proficiency

Continued Priority: French-language proficiency remains a major factor in category-based draws, supporting Canada’s goal to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Target: The government aims for 8.5% of new immigrants to be French-speaking, strengthening bilingual communities across Canada.

Although not explicitly listed as new additions for STEM, the category remains part of the Express Entry system. However, six new occupations were added to attract skilled professionals in STEM fields, including:

• Residential and commercial installers and servicers: 73200, TEER Level 3
• Elevator constructors and mechanics: 72406, TEER Level 2
• Machine fitters: 72405, TEER Level 2
• Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers: 72014, TEER Level 2

Removed and Non-Prioritized Occupations

1. STEM, Transport, and Agriculture

• Removal from Targeted Draws: STEM fields, transport, and agriculture occupations have been removed from targeted category-based draws for 2025. Professionals in these fields will need to rely on general Express Entry draws or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to immigrate.
• Reasoning: This shift reflects a strategic adjustment to focus on sectors with more pressing labor shortages, such as education and healthcare.

The category has been streamlined to a single eligible NOC code:

• Butchers – retail and wholesale: 63201, TEER Level 3

Removed Categories

• Transport Category: Removed from category-based draws.

These changes reflect Canada’s strategic focus on addressing labor shortages in critical sectors while promoting bilingualism and education.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry in 2025

The Express Entry system in Canada is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economic growth. For 2025, the eligibility criteria have been refined to align with labor market needs and to prioritize certain sectors and applicants. 

Below are the detailed eligibility criteria for Express Entry in 2025:

1. Age

• Eligibility: Candidates aged 18 to 47 can apply.
• Points Allocation: The highest points are awarded to candidates aged 20-35. The points decrease as the age increases beyond this range.

2. Education

• Minimum Requirement: A secondary school diploma or higher is required for most programs.
• Points Allocation: Higher points are awarded for post-secondary education, such as bachelor’s degrees or higher.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required for foreign degrees to ensure they meet Canadian standards.

3. Language Proficiency

• Language Tests: IELTS (English) or TEF (French) tests are accepted.
• Minimum Score: CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French is typically required for most programs.
• Points Allocation: Higher language proficiency scores (e.g., CLB 9+) can significantly increase your CRS score.

4. Work Experience

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Canada within the last three years.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): At least one year of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the last ten years.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years.

5. Skill Transferability

• Points are awarded for combinations of education and work experience, or language proficiency and work experience.

6. Adaptability

• Points are awarded for Canadian work experience, education, or a provincial nomination.

7. Proof of Funds

• Required for most programs to demonstrate financial capability to support yourself and your family in Canada.

8. Category-Based Draws

• Priority Sectors: Draws will target candidates with experience in healthcare, skilled trades, education, and those with strong French language proficiency.
• New Education Category: Includes occupations like teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities.

The 2025 Express Entry eligibility criteria are designed to streamline the selection process, focusing on candidates with Canadian work experience, strong language skills, and experience in priority sectors like healthcare, education, and skilled trades. 

By aligning immigration policies with labor market needs, Canada aims to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers into key sectors, supporting economic growth and addressing labor shortages.

Steps to Apply for Express Entry in 2025

Applying for Express Entry in 2025 involves a structured process designed to streamline the selection of skilled workers for Canadian permanent residency. Below are the detailed steps to apply for Express Entry:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Check Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the requirements for one of the three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
• Use Online Assessment Tools: Utilize free online tools to assess your eligibility and potential CRS score.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Language Test Results: Obtain valid language test scores (e.g., IELTS for English or TEF for French).
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your degree is from outside Canada, get an ECA to validate your education.
• Proof of Funds: Ensure you have sufficient settlement funds if required by your program.
• Police Certificates and Medical Exams: These will be needed later in the process but can be prepared in advance.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile

• Register on the IRCC Portal: Start by registering on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.

• Submit Basic Information: Provide details about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information.

• Calculate Your CRS Score: The system will automatically calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your profile information.

Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool

• Once your profile is complete, you will be assigned a profile number and enter the Express Entry pool with other candidates.
• Regularly update your profile to reflect any changes or improvements in your qualifications.

Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score (Optional)

• Enhance Language Scores: Consider retaking language tests to improve your scores.
• Gain More Work Experience: Acquire additional work experience in a skilled occupation.
• Provincial Nomination: Seek a provincial nomination, which can significantly boost your CRS score.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• If your CRS score is competitive, you may receive an ITA during a round of invitations.
• Ensure your work permit status is valid if you are in Canada, as an expired permit can affect your score.

Step 7: Submit a Permanent Residency Application

• Gather Comprehensive Documents: This includes reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form and upload all required documents.
• Pay the Application Fees: The fee for the principal applicant is CAD 1,525, with additional fees for family members.

Step 8: Receive a Decision

• Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a decision on your permanent residency application.
• If approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

The Express Entry process for 2025 is designed to be efficient and competitive, focusing on candidates with strong skills and experience in targeted sectors. 

By following these steps and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry.

The 2025 Express Entry changes reflect Canada’s commitment to aligning immigration policies with labor market needs. 

By introducing new categories and prioritizing sectors like education, healthcare, and skilled trades, Canada aims to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers in areas with critical shortages. 

These updates also highlight the importance of Canadian work experience and French-language proficiency in the selection process. Aspiring immigrants should carefully review these changes to maximize their chances of success through the Express Entry system.