Introduction: A New Direction in Canada’s Immigration Strategy

In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented major changes to its immigration priorities to reflect current labour shortages and social needs. The Express Entry system has been updated to prioritise occupations in education and healthcare—two sectors experiencing high demand due to Canada’s growing population and ageing workforce. 

At the same time, IRCC has removed several occupations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and transport-related fields from its priority list. The revised selection categories reflect Canada’s aim to strengthen its social infrastructure while moderating intake in areas with adequate domestic talent.

Who’s In: Education and Social Services Take Priority

IRCC has introduced a new occupational category for education. This includes early childhood educators, teacher assistants, elementary and secondary school teachers, and instructors for persons with disabilities. The aim is to meet Canada’s increasing demand for classroom support staff.

Healthcare and social services remain prioritized. Newly added occupations include pharmacists, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, and social workers—reflecting Canada’s focus on community health.

These categories will see more frequent draws under Express Entry in 2025, increasing selection opportunities for eligible professionals.

Who’s Out: Major Cuts to STEM and Tech Occupations

IRCC has removed 19 STEM-related occupations from category-based draws. Affected roles include software engineers, web developers, computer systems analysts, data scientists, architects, and urban planners.

These individuals will no longer receive targeted invitations under Express Entry, making it harder to qualify without a very competitive CRS score.

While Canada remains committed to innovation, this shift indicates a pause in foreign tech worker recruitment, possibly due to a strong domestic talent pool or shifting economic needs.

Breakdown by Sector: Key Changes You Need to Know

Education (New Category)

• – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
  
• – Early childhood educators and assistants
  
• – Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
  
• – Secondary school teachers
  
• – Instructors for persons with disabilities
  

Healthcare and Social Services (Expanded)

• – Pharmacists
  
• – Pharmacy technicians
  
• – Social workers
  
• – Social and community service workers
  
• – Dental hygienists
  
• – Other medical technologists and technicians
  

STEM (Reduced)

• – Software developers and programmers
  
• – Data scientists
  
• – Web developers and designers
  
• – Architects and landscape architects
  
• – Engineering managers
  
• – Statisticians and actuaries
  

Trades (Expanded) Cooks, machinists, electricians, painters, construction managers, and other skilled trades remain in demand to address labour shortages in infrastructure and development.

Why the Change?

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated, “We are building a more dynamic workforce with professionals from in-demand fields.” By focusing on educators and healthcare workers, Canada is targeting roles with widespread social impact.

IRCC also aims to favour candidates with Canadian work experience, giving an edge to those already working or studying in the country.

What This Means for Applicants

STEM and transport professionals may need to revise their strategies. While still eligible, they now compete in general draws with higher CRS cut-offs. Securing a provincial nomination or gaining Canadian work experience can help.

Meanwhile, education and healthcare professionals have increased chances of selection. Applicants in these fields should act promptly and ensure their profiles meet category-based Express Entry criteria.

We recommend consulting an experienced Immigration Consultant in Edmonton or working with a reputable Immigration Agency Edmonton to align your strategy with Canada’s updated priorities.

Conclusion: A Strategic but Narrower Pathway

Canada’s 2025 immigration policy is more focused than ever. With increased opportunities in education and healthcare, and fewer in STEM, applicants must stay informed and adaptable.

At Choice Immigration, we guide individuals and families toward the best routes to Canadian permanent residence. Whether through Express Entry, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), or another stream, now is the time to match your goals with the country’s changing immigration landscape.