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Canada’s Express Entry STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) category has been updated for 2025, reflecting a shift in how the program supports Canada’s labour market needs. These changes are designed to prioritize engineering, infrastructure, and industrial occupations that are in growing demand.
Key 2025 Changes
- Reduced Occupation List: As of February 2025, 19 occupations were removed from the STEM category, and 6 new occupations were added. The revised list now includes 11 eligible occupations.
- Shift in Focus: Previous draws emphasized IT and data roles such as software engineers and data scientists. The 2025 updates instead focus on engineering and technologist roles, reflecting shortages in Canada’s industrial and infrastructure sectors.
- Newly Added Roles: Occupations now include insurance agents and brokers, along with several engineering technologist and technician positions.
Eligible Occupations for 2025
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 |
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered under the 2025 STEM-targeted Express Entry draws, applicants must:
- Work Experience: Have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past three years in one of the listed occupations. Experience may be Canadian or international.
- Express Entry Program Eligibility: Qualify under one of the three Express Entry-managed programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- NOC Alignment: Ensure that their work duties match the description in the Government of Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
How to Confirm Eligibility
- Use the Government of Canada NOC tool to identify the correct NOC code.
- Review the listed job duties to confirm that your experience aligns.
- Confirm that your NOC code is included in the current 2025 STEM category list.
Express Entry Process: STEM Category
- Applicants submit an online profile with occupation, education, and language details.
- Profiles are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Category-based draws may set slightly lower CRS cutoffs, though recent STEM draws still required scores above 480.
- Candidates meeting both the CRS cutoff and category eligibility may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- After receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to submit their application.
- The principal applicant must meet all criteria. A spouse’s credentials do not affect eligibility but may allow them to apply as a dependent.
Other 2025 Express Entry Changes
- New Education Category: Teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities now form a new category.
- Transport Category Removed: Roles such as truck drivers and aircraft mechanics are no longer part of category-based draws.
- Healthcare and Social Services Expanded: Pharmacists and social workers are now included.
- French Proficiency Remains a Priority: Candidates with strong French-language skills continue to benefit from targeted draws.
What These Changes Mean
- IT and Data Roles Excluded: Occupations like software developers and data scientists are no longer part of the STEM category. Such applicants may explore general draws or provincial nominee programs.
- Engineering and Technologist Opportunities: Engineers and technologists now have a stronger pathway to permanent residence.
- Staying Informed: Immigration policies continue to evolve. Applicants should monitor official government updates to adapt their strategy.
Conclusion
The 2025 STEM category changes represent a strategic rebalancing of Canada’s immigration priorities. While IT and data professionals are no longer included, new opportunities have opened for engineers, technologists, and related occupations. Staying informed and reviewing eligibility under the NOC is essential for success in the evolving immigration system.
Disclaimer
This article is provided by Sohi Law Group, Immigration Lawyers in Vancouver, BC, for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Immigration eligibility depends on individual circumstances and may change with updated laws or policies. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer or regulated consultant.
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