Discover the Latest Express Entry Categories and New Opportunities for Education, Healthcare, and Trade Professionals
On February 27, 2025, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced key updates to the Express Entry (EE) categories for the year. A major change is the introduction of the new Education Occupations EE category, which offers a dedicated pathway for foreign professionals in the education field to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
This category includes a variety of education-related occupations such as:
- Secondary and elementary school teachers
- Kindergarten teachers
- Teacher assistants
- Child care educators
- Instructors for individuals requiring extra assistance
The update also saw the removal of the Transport Occupations category from the list.
The New Education Occupations category opens doors for teachers and child care professionals, while healthcare and trade sectors remain a priority.
The revised 2025 Express Entry categories eligible for the category-based invitation rounds include the following:
- New: Education Occupations Category
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations (e.g. family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists)
- French-Language Proficiency
- Trade Occupations (e.g. construction, carpenters, plumbers, cooks)
- STEM Occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Who’s eligible for each category?
Eligibility for the Education Occupations category, along with all other categories, requires meeting the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the three immigration programs it covers:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Applicants must also meet all the specific requirements outlined in the instructions for that round.
These updates align with Canada’s ongoing commitment to addressing labour shortages and driving long-term economic growth.
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