Canadian authorities on Thursday updated the Express Entry system occupation lists to include a new category to attract educators such as teachers, class assistants and early childhood educators.
Due to a shortage for teachers and an expanding group of students, there is a growing need for educators, which led to the update. The new category aims to promote bilingualism in Canada and alleviate the labour deficit.
Teachers, educators, and support workers are the targets of the new education category, according to Immigration News Canada (INC).
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is based on points, is used by the Express Entry system, a major immigration route for skilled workers.
The new professions included in the education category are:
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Persons with disabilities instructors
Early childhood educators and assistants
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
Secondary school teachers
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Exclusion of transport category
The IRCC has made the decision to eliminate the Transport category from the list of professions that qualify for Express Entry drawings.
This move reflects a change in the priorities of the Canadian labour market, with greater attention being paid to other industries, including trades and healthcare.
Eight new professions in healthcare and social services category
As demand in the healthcare and social services sectors grew, eight new jobs were added to these categories.
Pharmacists, social workers, and social and community service workers are among the recently expanded positions.
Six professions were eliminated in the interim, including practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine and educational counsellors.
Four priority categories
Four priority categories for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been established by the IRCC for 2025. They include French language proficiency, Healthcare and Social Service Occupations, Trades occupations and Education occupations.
There will be more possibilities for qualified applicants in these categories due to the increased frequency and targeting of drawings.
Full breakdown of updated list
Social services and health care: Significant changes were made to the healthcare industry, as eight new professions were added, including social workers and pharmacists. But other positions were eliminated, such as educational counsellors. Canada’s emphasis on increasing access to healthcare and addressing community health needs is intended to be reflected in this move.
STEM-related careers: Eligible occupations in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) category decreased. Nineteen professions were eliminated, including software developers and computer engineers, and no new positions were added. To satisfy the demands of other industries, such as trades and healthcare, this decline can indicate a change in concentration away from tech roles.
Trade occupations: This category saw a major expansion with the addition of 19 new jobs, such as electricians, roofers, and contractors. This shift demonstrates the rising need for competent workers in the infrastructure and construction industries with many jobs involving building and renovation.
Agriculture and agri-food occupations: Two new professions added to this category are Landscape contractors and agricultural service contractors. This update supports Canada’s agriculture sector and its demands for food production.
Express Entry Eligibility
Applicants must fulfil the following minimal eligibility requirements in order to be eligible for category-based Express Entry draws, which includes eligibility for anyone of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Boost language proficiency: To raise your language proficiency levels, take English or French language exams.
Receive a job offer: Your CRS score can rise significantly if you receive a legitimate employment offer from a Canadian firm.
Get additional work experience: You can improve your score by gaining more job experience, particularly in a specialised occupation.
Educational qualifications: You can raise your CRS points by finishing college or by having your credentials evaluated by the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Leverage your spouse qualification: The language proficiency and professional background of a spouse may, if applicable, add extra points to your CRS score.
Focus on particular categories: Because high-priority categories, such as healthcare or trades, may have more frequent drawings, candidates who meet the requirements for these categories may have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
What to do to be eligible
Candidates can raise their CRS scores and improve their prospects of getting an ITA by strengthening their language abilities, accumulating work experience, or getting a job offer.
Canada’s changing immigration priorities are reflected in the 2025 improvements to the Express Entry system.
The government’s focus on tackling severe manpower shortages is seen in the addition of the Education category and the growth of the healthcare and trades sectors.
These reforms maintain the focus on healthcare access and bilingualism while providing new opportunities for skilled workers, especially in trades and education.