Canada Announces 2025 Express Entry Categories:
Opportunities for Skilled Workers
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced the 2025 Express Entry Categories, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals to address critical labour shortages. The Express Entry system remains one of the most efficient and strategic pathways to permanent residence in Canada. This year’s category-based selection continues to focus on occupations that align with the country’s economic and social priorities.
2025 Targeted Categories for Express Entry
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct category-based rounds of invitations for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and possess experience in the following priority areas:
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations
Each category includes a range of occupations. Some examples include:
Healthcare and Social Services | Family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Dentists, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Social Workers |
STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) | Civil Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, Electrical Engineers, Insurance Agents and Brokers, Mechanical Engineers |
Trade Occupations | Roofers and Shingler’s, Concrete Finishers, Electrical Mechanics, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics, Carpenters, Plumbers, Contractors, Electricians, Welders |
Agriculture and Agri-Food | Butchers |
Education | Early Childhood Educators and Assistants, Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Instructors of Persons with Disabilities |
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered under these categories, applicants must first meet the minimum eligibility for Express Entry, which includes qualifying under one of the three federal immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Work Experience Requirement:
Applicants must have:
- At least six months of continuous full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience)
- This experience must be in a targeted occupation
- The experience must have been acquired within the last three years
- Experience can be from Canada or abroad
Recent Category-Based Draws – May 2025
The IRCC has already conducted category-specific draws this May:
- May 1, 2025 – Education Occupations
- 1,000 Invitations Issued
- Minimum CRS Score: 479
- May 2, 2025 – Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- 500 Invitations Issued
- Minimum CRS Score: 510
Are You Eligible? Let us Help
If you have relevant experience in one of these categories and meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you may qualify to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Whether you're just getting started or need expert guidance through the application process, Lumina Lawyers LLP is here to support you every step of the way.
We look forward to assisting you in building your future in Canada.
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