Immigration continues to be a driving force behind Canada’s economic growth, and to better address labor shortages, Canada is refining its Express Entry system.
On February 27th 2025, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced key changes for Express Entry in 2025, including a new Education category and a focus on in-demand occupations in health care, trades, and education.
What’s New in Express Entry for 2025?
Express Entry draws will prioritize candidates who:
Have Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class)
Work in high-demand fields, including:
Health care & social services (Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists)
Skilled trades (Carpenters, plumbers, contractors, cooks)
Education (Teachers, child care educators, disability instructors)
Are French-speaking candidates to support Francophone immigration
Updated NOC codes in Healthcare, Trades, Agric , STEM
Elimination of the Transportation Category
2025 Express Entry Category NOC Codes
Healthcare and social services occupations
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
Audiologists and speech language pathologists |
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists |
Chiropractors |
Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
Dentists |
Dieticians and nutritionists |
General practitioners and family physicians |
Licensed practical nurses |
Massage therapists |
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations |
Medical laboratory technologists |
Medical radiation technologists |
Medical sonographers |
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
Nurse practitioners |
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors |
Occupational therapists |
Optometrists |
Other medical technologists and technicians |
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating |
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment |
Paramedical occupations |
Pharmacists |
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants |
Pharmacy technicians |
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals |
Physiotherapists |
Psychologists |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists |
Social and community service workers |
Social workers |
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
Specialists in surgery |
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies |
Veterinarians |
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
Trades
Education
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Why Is Canada Making These Changes?
Canada is addressing critical labor shortages in key sectors like health care, education, and skilled trades. By refining the Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is ensuring that the immigration process aligns with long-term workforce demands.
Additionally, Canada is strengthening its commitment to Francophone immigration outside Quebec, helping to sustain and grow French-speaking communities across the country.
How Does This Affect Express Entry Applicants?
If you have work experience in education, health care, or trades, you may have a higher chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
French-speaking candidates will continue to be prioritized, increasing opportunities for Francophones.
Those with Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class) will be front and center in federal economic class draws.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection?
Ensure your Express Entry profile is optimized with updated work history and credentials.
Gain Canadian work experience through a valid work permit.
Improve your French language skills to qualify for Francophone draws.
Need Help with Your Express Entry Application?
Our team specializes in Express Entry applications, category-based draws, and various immigration pathways to Canada. Book a consultation today to maximize your chances of success! Contact us to get started!