In a major shift to balance changing labour market needs and demographic goals, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the Express Entry system on February 27, 2025. The changes include the addition of a new category, the elimination of one of the current ones, and alterations to the list of qualifying occupations under different categories.
Introduction of the education category
In appreciation of the central role that teachers play in determining Canada's future, IRCC has added the "Education" category to the Express Entry system. The new category includes five occupations that mirror the nation's efforts to strengthen its education sector.
Although the announcement does not outline a list of these occupations, it does not include a variety of educational positions that are critical to Canada's development.
Which occupations are added under the new education category?
The department has added the following occupations under the education category.
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 |
Why did IRCC remove the transport category?
In a strategic shift, the "Transport" designation has been dropped from the Express Entry pool. This action is a reappraisal of the immediate labour demands in Canada's transportation sectors and a determination that such demand is currently fulfilled through alternative streams or that efforts are shifting more towards other sectors of dire necessity.
Prioritized express entry categories for 2025
IRCC has outlined four priority categories for 2025, which will have priority in invitations to apply (ITAs) under category-based draws:
- French-Language Proficiency: This category highlights the value of bilingualism and invites French-proficient individuals to contribute to the vitality of the Francophone community throughout Canada.
- Healthcare and Social Service Occupations: This stream will meet shortages in these critical occupations, as there is always a need for health professionals and social service workers.
- Trades Occupations: This stream consists of skilled tradespeople required to construct and repair infrastructure. It reflects Canada's attempts to construct and repair its physical infrastructure.
- Education Professions: This stream is a new addition to the list and emphasizes the role of teachers in building an educated and capable citizenry, which is essential to the future success of the country.
What changes are made to existing categories?
The occupations in each of the express entry categories, which did not change after these reforms, have also undergone significant revisions to match the current market demand.
Category name | Number of occupations added | Number of occupations removed |
Healthcare and Social Services occupations | 8 | 6 |
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations | 0 | 19 |
Trade occupations | 19 | 4 |
Agriculture and Agri-food occupations | 2 | 0 |
Healthcare and social services
The department has added the following occupations under healthcare and social services:
Occupation | NOC Code | Role & Importance |
Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians | 32104 | Acknowledging the significance of animal health in public health and agriculture. |
Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists | 32123 | Experts vital in diagnosing and treating heart disorders. |
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists | 32111 | Experts vital in ensuring oral health, a critical aspect of general well-being. |
Other Medical Technologists and Technicians | 32129 | Including several expert technologists who assist with medical diagnostics and treatment. |
Pharmacists | 31120 | Medication management specialists and patient counsellors form a crucial component of the health system. |
Pharmacy Technicians | 32124 | Aiding in the dispensation of medicines and the running of pharmacies. |
Social and Community Service Workers | 42201 | Professionals provide necessary support services to various groups, addressing social concerns. |
Social Workers | 41300 | Individuals are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through various support systems. |
The department has removed the following occupations from the healthcare and social services:
Occupation | NOC Code |
Educational Counsellors | 41320 |
Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 |
Kinesiologists and Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment | 31204 |
Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services | 33109 |
Other Practitioners of Natural Healing | 32209 |
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists | 32200 |
STEM
The STEM category has been greatly rearranged, with 19 jobs eliminated. The cut is probably an exercise in streamlining some of the most sought-after STEM careers.
The press release points out the reference to six careers and the emphasis on technologists and technicians employed in the engineering and insurance industries:
Occupation | NOC Code |
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22300 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22310 |
Geological Engineers | 21331 |
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 |
Mechanical Engineers | 21301 |
Insurance Agents and Brokers | 63100 |
The removal of certain occupations, such as Architects (NOC 21200) and Computer and Information Systems Managers (NOC 20012), may indicate a reassessment of the labor market needs or a shift to other immigration streams for these occupations.
Trade Occupations
The "Trades" classification has been supported by the addition of 19 new occupations, highlighting Canada's focus on skilled trades for economic growth.
Though the list of these new occupations has not been specified, it is projected that they would be a diverse set of occupations required by diverse industries.
Four occupations have also been delisted, hinting at adjusting to actual employment needs.
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
This group has received a modest revision, with two jobs added, which demonstrates the continued relevance of agriculture to Canada's economy. The particular occupations have not been specified, but they are presumably aimed at new needs in the agri-food industry. What is intriguing is that no job was taken away from this category, which suggests steady demand in this line of work.
Conclusion
This news for Canada on Express Entry reflects the nation's response to changing labour market needs. The introduction of the education category reflects the requirement for teachers, and the removal of the transport category suggests reallocating the labour market's demands.
Prioritizing French language skills, healthcare, trade, and education, Canada tries to cultivate high-priority fields necessary for economic development. Reframing the Healthcare, STEM, Trades, and Agriculture designations provides a focused approach to plugging holes in the labour force.
The reforms above bring new prospects for educated workers, streamline Canada's immigration policy and bring in talent that can drive long-term and economic prosperity.
For more details about this upcoming update, reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
