Express Entry 2025: New Categories and Updated Occupations

The Canadian government has announced significant updates to the Express Entry immigration system, introducing new occupational categories and updating the list of eligible professions. These changes aim to better align immigration with labor market demands and Canada’s economic priorities.

The Express Entry system now prioritizes candidates with experience in strategic fields, increasing the chances for skilled professionals to receive an invitation to immigrate to Canada.

Below, you’ll find the current categories and all the occupations included in this new structure:

1. Healthcare and Social Services Category

Professionals essential to Canada’s healthcare and social services sector.

• Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (32104)
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (31112)
• Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (32123)
• Chiropractors (31201)
• Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
• Dentists (31110)
• Dieticians and nutritionists (31121)
• General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
• Licensed practical nurses (32101)
• Massage therapists (32201)
• Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
• Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
• Medical radiation technologists (32121)
• Medical sonographers (32122)
• Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (33102)
• Nurse practitioners (31302)
• Nursing coordinators and supervisors (31300)
• Occupational therapists (31203)
• Optometrists (31111)
• Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)
• Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating (31209)
• Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
• Paramedical occupations (32102)
• Pharmacists (31120)
• Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103)
• Pharmacy technicians (32124)
• Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (31303)
• Physiotherapists (31202)
• Psychologists (31200)
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (31301)
• Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
• Social and community service workers (42201)
• Social workers (41300)
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)
• Specialists in surgery (31101)
• Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (41301)
• Veterinarians (31103)

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Category

Professions focused on innovation, research, and technological development.

• Architecture and science managers (20011)
• Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)
• Civil engineers (21300)
• Cybersecurity specialists (21220)
• Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
• Electrical and electronics engineers (21310)
• Geological engineers (21331)
• Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
• Insurance agents and brokers (63100)
• Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301)
• Mechanical engineers (21301)

3. Trades Category

Focused on professionals in construction and specialized technical services.

• Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021)
• Floor covering installers (73113)
• Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (73112)
• Roofers and shinglers (73110)
• Concrete finishers (73100)
• Other technical trades and related occupations (72999)
• Water well drillers (72501)
• Electrical mechanics (72422)
• Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics (72402)
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (72400)
• Bricklayers (72320)
• Cabinetmakers (72311)
• Carpenters (72310)
• Gas fitters (72302)
• Plumbers (72300)
• Industrial electricians (72201)
• Electricians (except industrial and power system) (72200)
• Welders and related machine operators (72106)
• Sheet metal workers (72102)
• Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100)
• Home building and renovation managers (70011)
• Construction managers (70010)
• Cooks (63200)
• Construction estimators (22303)

4. Agriculture and Agri-Food Category

Includes workers essential to the agricultural sector and food industry.

• Butchers – retail and wholesale (63201)

5. Education Category

Essential professionals for Canada's education system.

• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100)
• Instructors of persons with disabilities (42203)
• Early childhood educators and assistants (42202)
• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (41221)
• Secondary school teachers (41220)

What Do These Changes Mean for Aspiring Immigrants?

The updated Express Entry categories highlight Canada’s focus on attracting talent to fill labor market gaps. If your occupation is on the list above, you may have a higher chance of receiving an invitation for permanent residency.

If you’re considering immigrating to Canada, it’s crucial to stay informed about Express Entry rules and prepare to meet the required qualifications.

Have questions? Schedule an appointment with us and let us help you with the best plan for your profile! E-mail us at contact@evisaimmigration.com