For skilled workers, Canada’s Express Entry method is a well-liked immigration route. Recent changes have introduced category-based selection, allowing Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates based on specific economic priorities rather than just Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection targets candidates who meet Canada’s labor market needs. Invitations are issued based on:
French-language proficiency
Work experience in high-demand occupations
Education in key industries This approach helps Canada address workforce shortages by prioritizing skilled professionals.
Priority Categories for 2025
For 2025, IRCC has 6 categorise while the below list will focus on the following categories that are prioritised for 2025:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations (NEW)
Changes in Express Entry Categories
IRCC has made important updates to eligible occupations across various categories. Here’s what you need to know:
Category Name | No. of occupations added | No. of occupations removed |
Healthcare and social services occupations | 8 | 6 |
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations | 6 | 19 |
Trade Occupations | 19 | 4 |
Agriculture and Agri-food occupations | 0 | 2 |
1. Healthcare and Social Services
Canada has expanded this category to include additional healthcare professionals. Eligible occupations now include:
Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
Social workers (NOC 41300)
Social and community service workers (NOC 42201)
Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111)
Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124)
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (NOC 32104)
Other healthcare professions include:
Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)
Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121)
General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
Although STEM is no longer a priority category in 2025, some STEM-related jobs remain eligible:
Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300)
Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301)
Geological engineers (NOC 21331)
Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100)
3. Trade Occupations
Canada continues to prioritize trades, adding more eligible occupations, including:
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021)
Floor covering installers (NOC 73113)
Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110)
Concrete finishers (NOC 73100)
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
Gas fitters (NOC 72302)
Industrial electricians (NOC 72201)
Construction managers (NOC 70010)
Cooks (NOC 63200)
Painters and decorators (NOC 73112)
4. Education Occupations
The necessity for qualified teachers in Canada has led to the introduction of a new category called Education. The following professions are eligible:
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100)
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220)
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221)
Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203)
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
The Agriculture category has also seen some changes, with the removal of:
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services (NOC 82031)
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
What These Changes Mean for You
If at all you are an aspiring immigrant, here’s how you can improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
Check if your occupation is in a priority category – If it is, your chances of receiving an ITA increase.
Improve your CRS score – While category-based selection helps, candidates still need strong CRS scores.
Stay informed – Immigration policies change frequently, so keeping up-to-date is crucial.
The category-based selection system under Express Entry is a game-changer for skilled professionals looking to immigrate to Canada. By focusing on specific labor market needs, IRCC ensures that applicants with in-demand skills and qualifications have a greater chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If you are a healthcare professional, skilled tradesperson, educator, or have expertise in key sectors like STEM, now is the time to assess your eligibility and take advantage of these changes. Strengthening your CRS score, improving your language proficiency, and staying informed about policy updates will further enhance your chances of securing permanent residency.
At Rio Immigration, we specialize in guiding applicants through every step of the Express Entry process. Whether you need assistance with eligibility assessment, CRS optimization, or application submission, our team of experts is here to help.
Don’t miss your opportunity to build a successful future in Canada! Contact us today for personalized immigration support and take the next step towards your dream of Canadian permanent residency.
