• Posted 17-Apr-2025

Express Entry Category-Based Selection – 2025 Priority Occupation List.

Express Entry Category-Based Selection – 2025 Priority Occupation List

Canada’s Express Entry system now includes category-based selection to help meet labor market demands and economic priorities. This selection method allows candidates with in-demand skills and work experience to receive invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

How Category-Based Selection Works
In addition to general and program-specific draws, category-based selection targets candidates with specific:
Work experience in high-demand occupations
Language proficiency in French
Educational qualifications relevant to labor market needs

These categories are determined based on labor market analysis, consultations with provinces and territories, and stakeholder input.

2025 Priority Occupation Categories
For 2025, Canada has identified the following priority categories under Express Entry:

1. French-Language Proficiency
Applicants who demonstrate strong French-language skills (CLB 7 or higher)

Helps strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec

2. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Doctors (General practitioners, specialists)

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses

Pharmacists

Medical laboratory technologists

Physiotherapists

Paramedics

Social workers and caregivers

Dentists and dental assistants

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations
Software engineers and developers

Cybersecurity specialists

Data scientists and analysts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists

Electrical and mechanical engineers

Mathematicians and statisticians

Research scientists in various fields

4. Trade Occupations
Electricians

Welders

Plumbers

Carpenters

Heavy-duty mechanics

Industrial instrument technicians

Construction workers

5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers

Butchers and meat processing workers

Greenhouse and nursery workers

Food processing laborers

6. Transport Occupations
Truck drivers

Railway and transit operators

Aircraft mechanics

Marine transport workers

7. Education Occupations
Elementary and secondary school teachers

Early childhood educators (ECE)

Special education teachers

College and university instructors

Eligibility for Category-Based Selection
To be eligible for an invitation under category-based selection, candidates must:

Have valid work experience in one of the selected categories (usually at least 6 months in the last 3 years)
Meet language proficiency requirements (French or English, depending on the category)
Have an active Express Entry profile
Fulfill the program-specific criteria for one of the core Express Entry streams:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

How This Benefits Applicants
Higher chances of selection – If your occupation falls under a targeted category, you may get invited sooner.
No provincial nomination needed – You can qualify based on work experience and skills without relying on PNP.
Faster PR processing – IRCC prioritizes these applications to meet labor shortages.

Why Category-Based Selection?
This targeted approach helps Canada:
Fill labor shortages in critical industries
Support economic growth and innovation
Strengthen French-speaking communities outside Quebec

If you're looking to immigrate to Canada and your profession falls under one of these categories, now is the time to prepare your Express Entry profile! Need assistance? Sia Immigration can guide you through the entire process.