Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is contemplating updates to the categories used in Express Entry category-based draws for 2025. This consideration comes after IRCC conducted a survey to gather input from its stakeholders.

IRCC consistently adopts a collaborative approach in shaping its immigration policies, engaging with provinces, territories, stakeholder organizations, and the public. This collaborative process is key to developing the annual Immigration Levels Plan, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of both immigrants and Canadian society.

IRCC Revisions to Category-Based Draws for 2025

Currently, IRCC is conducting the 2024 consultation for the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which includes a survey seeking feedback on proposed immigration targets.

IRCC has released a survey highlighting the economic priorities and categories under consideration for 2025:

Addressing Long-Term Labour Market Shortages
Focuses on specific occupations in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, agri-food, and education.
Supporting Economic Growth Through Francophone Immigration
Aims to boost economic growth by encouraging Francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
Meeting Emerging Labour Needs
Targets critical industries and sectors facing emerging labour shortages, including natural resources, new technologies, and applied sciences.

Expanded Occupations in Category-Based Draws for 2025

Education Sector Job Titles:

Early Childhood Educators and Assistants – NOC 42202
Instructors of Persons with Disabilities – NOC 42203
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants – NOC 43100
Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers – NOC 41221
Secondary School Teachers – NOC 41220
Educational Counsellors – NOC 41320

IRCC also plans to expand its focus beyond the education sector, considering occupations in natural resources, new technologies, and applied sciences. The survey highlights key industries such as clean/green technology, quantum computing, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and critical mineral extraction for electric vehicle battery production.

Will IRCC Modify Occupation Categories or Language Requirements for 2025?

The survey suggests that while IRCC is unlikely to remove any existing categories in 2025, the number of occupations within each category may change. However, the survey does not indicate whether these adjustments will occur.

One area of focus was the effectiveness of targeting skilled workers with strong French language skills. Given IRCC’s goal to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec to 8% by 2026, it’s unlikely that French language requirements will be reduced in these categories. Stay tuned for further updates by following our blogs.

Strategic Planning for Potential Changes in 2025 Categories

If your occupation is expected to be included in the 2025 categories, it’s wise to start preparing now. Entering the Express Entry pool early can provide you with a competitive advantage, especially if new categories become highly sought after. Early entries benefit from the tie-breaking rule, where candidates with the same CRS score are ranked based on their entry date, giving priority to those with earlier profiles. Acting now can give you a head start and improve your chances for the future. For expert guidance on creating Express Entry profiles and navigating other immigration processes, consider consulting ImmiLaw Global.