On This Page You Will Find:
- A summary of Express Entry’s major updates for 2025
- Changes to occupation-based draws and eligibility criteria
- How Canada is prioritizing education, healthcare, and trades
- The impact on skilled workers and businesses
- Steps to apply under the 2025 Express Entry system
5 Key Takeaways from Express Entry Changes in 2025
1. Education Professionals Are Now a Priority
For the first time, Canada has introduced an Express Entry category targeting education-related occupations. This means that teachers, early childhood educators, and special needs instructors will have a more direct path to permanent residence. The move addresses a growing shortage of qualified educators across the country, ensuring schools and childcare centers can meet increasing demand.
2. Many STEM, Transport, and Agriculture Jobs Removed from Targeted Draws
While Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields were a focus in 2024, many have been removed from targeted category-based draws in 2025. The same applies to transport and agriculture occupations. Skilled professionals in these fields will now need to rely on general Express Entry draws or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to immigrate.
3. Stronger Focus on Canadian Work Experience
Canada is increasing its focus on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This means candidates with Canadian work experience will have higher chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This change helps employers retain skilled workers already in the country and supports smoother economic integration for newcomers.
4. French-Speaking Candidates Still Have an Advantage
Canada remains committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec. French-language proficiency continues to be a major factor in category-based draws, allowing French-speaking candidates to benefit from higher selection chances. The government has set a target for 8.5% of new immigrants to be French-speaking, helping to strengthen bilingual communities across Canada.
5. Express Entry Aligns with Canada’s New Immigration Strategy
The changes to Express Entry reflect broader immigration policy updates, including Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The overall immigration target for 2025 has been reduced to 395,000 newcomers, and Express Entry now operates under two main categories:
- Economic Priorities: Focused on healthcare, education, and skilled trades
- In-Canada Focus: Prioritizing temporary residents already working in Canada
How These Changes Impact Express Entry Candidates
- Education professionals now have a clearer pathway to permanent residence
- Most STEM, transport, and agriculture professionals must apply through general draws or PNPs
- Candidates with Canadian work experience will have higher chances of receiving ITAs
- French-speaking applicants will still benefit from category-based draws
These changes help ensure that Express Entry aligns with Canada’s evolving labour market needs, providing a steady supply of skilled workers in priority sectors.
Steps to Apply for Express Entry in 2025
If you’re planning to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry in 2025, follow these steps:
- Determine eligibility under one of the three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
- Check if you qualify for category-based draws in healthcare, education, trades, or French-language proficiency
- Improve your CRS score by gaining Canadian work experience, improving language skills, or securing a job offer
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit your permanent residence application within 60 days
FAQ – Express Entry Changes for 2025
What are the biggest changes to Express Entry in 2025?
Canada has removed many STEM, transport, and agriculture jobs from targeted draws and added education occupations as a new category. Canadian work experience is now a key factor, and French-speaking candidates continue to have an advantage.
Why did Canada remove several STEM, transport, and agriculture jobs from targeted draws?
Canada is prioritizing industries with severe labour shortages, such as education, healthcare, and trades. Most candidates in STEM, transport, and agriculture must now qualify through general draws or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
How does the focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) affect applicants?
Express Entry will now favor candidates with Canadian work experience, making it easier for temporary workers to transition to permanent residence. This helps employers retain skilled workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy.
Will French-speaking candidates still get priority?
Yes, Francophone immigration remains a priority, with Canada targeting 8.5% of newcomers as French speakers. French-speaking candidates outside Quebec will continue to benefit from targeted Express Entry draws.
How can I improve my chances of getting an ITA in 2025?
To boost your chances, gain Canadian work experience, improve your language proficiency, and check if you qualify for category-based draws in healthcare, education, or trades. A job offer from a Canadian employer can also improve your Express Entry profile.
Final Thoughts: Express Entry in 2025
Canada’s Express Entry changes for 2025 shift the focus towards education professionals, healthcare workers, and skilled trades, while removing many STEM, transport, and agriculture jobs from targeted draws. The emphasis on Canadian work experience and Francophone immigration signals a more targeted and employer-driven approach.
If you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, skilled tradesperson, or French speaker, these changes provide new opportunities to immigrate to Canada. If your profession is no longer targeted, consider PNPs or employer-based immigration pathways.
With 395,000 newcomers expected in 2025, now is the time to plan your Express Entry strategy and improve your eligibility for permanent residence in Canada.
