Trade
Newly Added Occupations Removed Occupations
-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)
-Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
-Bricklayers (72320)
-Cabinetmakers (72311)
-Gas fitters (72302)
-Industrial electricians (72201)
-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)
Removed Occupations
-Residential and commercial installers and servicers (73200)
-Elevator constructors and mechanics (72406)
-Machine fitters (72405)
-Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (72014)
Agri-Food and Agriculture
Here are the agriculture occupations that were removed:
-Contractors & supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance & horticulture services (82031)
-Agricultural service contractors & farm supervisors (82030)
New Education Category
This category now includes:
-Early childhood educators & assistants (42202)
-Elementary & secondary school teacher assistants (43100)
-Instructors of persons with disabilities (42203)
-Secondary school teachers (41220)
Why these changes?
These Express Entry categories, designed by IRCC, are based on Canada’s labor and economic needs. The new education category reflects the growing demand for teachers. The healthcare and social services category aligns with Canada’s aging population and the need for a larger healthcare workforce, which is influenced by the growing demand for skilled workers.
There has been a shift in priorities regarding the removed STEM and trade occupations, which could have likely been caused by market saturation or the demands of a changing industry. However, those candidates affected may still be able to qualify under other immigration streams, such as the Provincial Nominee program, which permits provinces to invite workers to fill specific labor regional needs.
Canada has noted the necessity for social and community service, hence the restructuring of the healthcare category to recognize their essential role in supporting vulnerable populations while still contributing to the economy.
The French-language proficiency category supports Canada’s goal of strengthening bilingual communities outside Quebec. This comes after Canada’s primary motive is to boost economic growth while maintaining and preserving its linguistic diversity.
Conclusion
While some of these updates may limit certain applicants’ chances in Express Entry 2025, it is still worth exploring the available options. Applicants affected by the removal of some STEM and trade jobs may need to consider alternative immigration pathways. On the other hand, if you are a social worker, pharmacist, or teacher, these could be excellent opportunities for you to start your immigration journey now. With these new opportunities, now might be the perfect time to act. IRCC is expected to release more updates on immigration in the near future, so it’s always good to stay informed and not miss any important announcements.
