Maple News reports that Canada has made significant changes to its Express Entry STEM category for 2025, altering the pool of eligible professions. The update, announced in February, reflects the evolving labor market demands and priorities of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In total, 19 occupations were removed from the STEM category, while six new ones were added. Currently, only 11 occupations remain eligible under the STEM-specific Express Entry draw. This could substantially impact eligibility for international professionals aiming to secure Canadian permanent residency through this category-based system.
The newly updated list includes both engineering and technology roles. Occupations such as Mechanical Engineers (21301), Geological Engineers (21331), and Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22300) are among the new additions. Returning roles include Cybersecurity Specialists (21220) and Electrical and Electronics Engineers (21310).
Here is the complete list of eligible occupations and their NOC codes:
– 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)
Note that your job title may differ from the official NOC title. Eligibility is based on job duties and responsibilities as defined in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
To qualify for a STEM-specific Express Entry draw, candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the eligible occupations within the past three years. This experience can be obtained either within Canada or internationally.
Selection under a category-based draw significantly boosts a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, making it essential to stay up to date with these evolving criteria.
As Canada adjusts its skilled immigration pathways to better align with labor market needs, understanding where you stand in terms of eligibility can make all the difference. Maple News encourages applicants to reassess their qualifications in light of the 2025 changes.