On February 27, 2025, IRCC announced significant adjustments to the Express Entry system, particularly in the category-based draws. These changes include the introduction of a new Education category, the removal of the Transport category, and various additions and removals across existing categories. Notably, several IT-related occupations have been dropped from the STEM list, and cooks are now included under the Trades category—though it’s important to understand the nature of these cooking roles before taking action. Below, we break down the most critical updates, explain how category-based draws work, and clarify what this means for prospective Express Entry applicants.
Summary in a Nutshell:
- The 2025 Express Entry system now features a brand-new Education category.
- The Transport category has been removed.
- Major occupational reshuffling in Healthcare & Social Services, STEM, and Trades.
- IT roles have been dropped from STEM.
- Cooks have been added to Trades—though fast-food positions generally do not qualify.
Healthcare and Social Services: More Occupations Added
Canada continues to strengthen its healthcare workforce. IRCC has added eight new occupations to the Healthcare and Social Services category, while removing six.
Added Occupations
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
| Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
Removed Occupations
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Educational counsellors | 41320 | 1 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment | 31204 | 1 |
| Other assisting occupations in support of health services | 33109 | 3 |
| Other practitioners of natural healing | 32209 | 2 |
| Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists | 32200 | 2 |
STEM: IT Occupations Mostly Dropped
The STEM category has undergone one of the biggest shakeups. Many IT-focused occupations, such as software engineers and web developers, have been removed. Meanwhile, a few key engineering and tech-adjacent roles have been added.
Added Occupations
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 | 3 |
Removed Occupations
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Architects | 21200 | 1 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 | 1 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 | 0 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 | 1 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 | 1 |
| Data scientists | 21211 | 1 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 | 1 |
| Engineering managers | 20010 | 0 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 | 1 |
| Land surveyors | 21203 | 1 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 | 1 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries | 21210 | 1 |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers | 21322 | 1 |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers | 41400 | 1 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 | 1 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 | 1 |
| Urban and land use planners | 21202 | 1 |
| Web designers | 21233 | 1 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 | 1 |
Trades: Cooks Now Included
In the Trades category, 19 new occupations are added—among them are cooks (NOC 63200). However, if you work in a fast-food chain (e.g., McDonald’s, KFC, Subway), you likely do not meet the typical duties required for “cook,” as that role involves preparing bespoke meals from raw ingredients and applying culinary techniques. Many fast-food employees are instead classified as crew members or, at best, food service supervisors (if they have managerial tasks). If you’re considering listing “cook” as your NOC to improve your immigration prospects, do your due diligence: confirm that your job responsibilities genuinely match a traditional cook’s role, rather than standardized fast-food assembly. Otherwise, misrepresenting your duties can lead to complications down the line.
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 | 0 |
| Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 | 2 |
Removed Occupations
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential and commercial installers and servicers | 73200 | 3 |
| Elevator constructors and mechanics | 72406 | 2 |
| Machine fitters | 72405 | 2 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers | 72014 | 2 |
Agriculture and Agri-Food
While fewer than in other categories, Agriculture has gained two new occupations, helping address
specific labor needs in Canada’s farming and horticulture sectors.
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services | 82031 | 2 |
| Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | 82030 | 2 |
Education: A Brand-New Category
IRCC’s new Education category aims to address shortages in teaching and childcare roles.
Here are the five included occupations:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- IT professionals were largely removed from the revised STEM category.
- Cooks (NOC 63200) are included under Trades, but fast-food roles usually do not qualify.
- Healthcare and Social Services gained new roles, including social service workers and pharmacists.
- A dedicated Education category addresses demand for teachers and early childhood staff.
- For 2025, IRCC will prioritize French-language proficiency, Healthcare & Social Services, Trades, and Education.
These updates reflect Canada’s focus on addressing key labor shortages and demographic goals through targeted immigration initiatives. If your occupation was removed, you may need to explore alternative pathways or provincial nominee programs. Always check the official IRCC announcements for the most current information, and consider consulting a regulated immigration consultant for personalized advice.
At SAAB Immigration, we specialize in guiding clients through the changing Canadian immigration landscape. Whether you need help assessing your eligibility for these new categories,
preparing an Express Entry profile, or navigating provincial nominee programs, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
- Book a personalized consultation to explore your options.
- Discuss your immigration goals with our certified experts.
- Get up-to-date, reliable advice tailored to your situation.
Ready to get started?
Contact SAAB Immigration today or call us at +1 (877) 683-7222 to speak with us. We look forward to helping you achieve your Canadian immigration dreams.
