Key Updates to Express Entry in 2025
New PrioritiesL
Canada’s Express Entry system is undergoing significant updates in 2025 to better align with labor market demands.Here’s a breakdown of the major changes:
Education sector prioritized:New opportunities for teachers and early childhood educators.
Transport sector removed:Occupations like truck drivers and airline pilots no longer receive targeted invitations.
Healthcare and social services expanded:New roles added, including pharmacists, social workers, and medical technicians.
STEM category reduced:Many tech and engineering roles have been removed.
Preference for Canadian work experience:Applicants with prior work experience in Canada may have an advantage.
Top Express Entry Categories for 2025:
The following categories will see more frequent draws to improve the chances for eligible candidates:
French language proficiency
Healthcare and social service occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations
Increased Opportunities for Educators:
Recognizing a growing teacher shortage, Canada introduced a dedicated Education category, making these roles a priority:
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Early childhood educators and assistants
Instructors for persons with disabilities
Elementary and kindergarten teachers
Secondary school teachers
Healthcare and Social Services Expansion:
Eight new occupations have been added to address Canada’s healthcare needs:
Pharmacists
Pharmacy technicians
Social workers
Social and community service workers
Dental hygienists and dental therapists
Medical technologists
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
However, six roles have been removed, including:
Educational counsellors
Instructors of persons with disabilities
Kinesiologists
Other assisting occupations in health services
Other natural healing practitioners
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
Reduction in STEM and Tech Opportunities:
Canada is shifting focus away from STEM and tech roles, removing 19 occupations, including:
Architects
Business systems specialists
Computer and information systems managers
Computer engineers
Data scientists
Software developers and programmers
Web developers and designers
Mathematicians and statisticians
Engineering managers
Urban planners
Trades Sector Expansion:
Canada is boosting its skilled trades workforce, adding 19 new occupations:
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Industrial electricians
Bricklayers
Gas fitters
Sheet metal workers
Machinists and machining inspectors
Roofers and shinglers
Cooks
Construction managers
Home building and renovation managers
Four trades roles have been removed, including:
Elevator constructors and mechanics
Machine fitters
Contractors and supervisors (miscellaneous trades)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Adjustments:
Two new roles have been added to support Canada’s agricultural workforce:
Contractors and supervisors (landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture)
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Transport Sector Removed
A major shift in 2025 is the complete removal of the transport sector from targeted Express Entry draws. Roles like these will no longer receive priority:
Truck drivers
Heavy equipment operators
Airline pilots
Conclusion:Canada’s 2025 immigration updates mark a strategic shift increasing focus on education,healthcare,and trades,while reducing opportunities in STEM and transportation.For educators, healthcare workers, and skilled tradespeople,these changes could open new doors to permanent residency.