Canada has unveiled significant updates to the 2025 Express Entry system, introducing category-based selection to address specific labour shortages and economic goals. This initiative focuses on inviting candidates with targeted skills and experiences to apply for permanent residence.
Key Categories:
- French-Language Proficiency: Candidates with strong French language skills are prioritized to support Francophone communities outside Quebec. ​
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations: Professionals such as family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, chiropractors, social workers, and community support workers are in demand. This update provides better chances for those in social and community service roles to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs), which were not previously included in category-based draws.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations: Roles including architecture and science managers, cybersecurity specialists, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical and electronics engineers are sought after. ​
- Trade Occupations: Skilled tradespeople like floor covering installers, painters, roofers, concrete finishers, mechanics, cabinetmakers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, machinists, construction managers, and contractors are needed to support infrastructure development. Notably, cooks and many other construction trades, which were not previously included in category-based draws, now have better chances of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs). ​
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations: Retail and wholesale butchers are essential for Canada’s agri-food sector. ​
- Education Occupations: Educators, including teachers, child care educators and assistants, and instructors for persons with disabilities, are crucial for the country’s educational needs. Early learning and childcare workers, as well as assistants, now have better opportunities under this category. ​
These categories have been established based on labor market projections and consultations with provincial and territorial partners. The goal is to align immigration with Canada’s economic priorities and address specific workforce gaps. ​
Important Update: Residential and commercial installers are no longer classified under the trade category. If you are working in this field, you may want to consider transitioning into another trade to improve your chances of receiving an ITA. ​
For detailed information on eligibility criteria and the application process, visit the official IRCC page on category-based selection or contact us.
Stay informed and assess your eligibility to take advantage of these new pathways to permanent residence in Canada.
