Category-Based Occupation List for Express Entry Canada – 2025 – Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

Express-entry-category-based-occupation-list

Express-entry-category-based-occupation-list – 2025

The express-entry-category-based-occupation-list is a powerful tool introduced by IRCC to better target skilled workers for permanent residency in Canada. This new approach helps streamline immigration by focusing on candidates with in-demand experience or French-language proficiency. Understanding how this system works—and whether your job is on the list—could make all the difference in your immigration journey.

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular ways for skilled workers to immigrate and gain permanent residency. In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based selection, a game-changing update to the program. This approach targets candidates with specific skills, training, or language abilities to meet Canada’s economic needs and labor market demands. If you’re looking to move to Canada, understanding category-based selection could be your key to success!

Table of Contents

What is Category-Based Selection?

Category-based selection complements the traditional Express Entry rounds (general and program-specific) by focusing on specific economic goals. Instead of solely relying on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, IRCC now invites top-ranking candidates who qualify for priority categories established by the Minister of Immigration. These categories are chosen annually based on Canada’s labor shortages, economic priorities, and input from provinces, territories, and stakeholders.

Once invited, candidates have 60 days to apply for permanent residency through one of the three Express Entry programs:

    • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
↑ Back to Top

2025 Priority Categories

For 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has identified six key categories under Express Entry to address critical labor shortages and support Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These targeted groups reflect Canada’s evolving workforce and economic priorities.

The six priority categories are:

  • Strong French-Language Proficiency:
    Applicants with advanced French skills (minimum NCLC 7 in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

  • Healthcare and Social Services Occupations:
    Includes doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.

  • Skilled Trades:
    Such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, and other technical trades.

  • Education Occupations:
    Teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities.

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math):
    Focused on select roles like cybersecurity specialists, engineers, and related professionals.

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations:
    Includes butchers, food processing specialists, and workers in the agri-food industry.

Note: The Transport category, which was previously part of the program, has been removed for 2025 to reflect shifting labor market needs.

↑ Back to Top

How Does Category-Based Selection Work?

1. Create Your Express Entry Profile
Start by submitting your Express Entry profile through IRCC’s online portal. You’ll need to provide details about your education, work experience, language test results, and other personal information.

2. Meet Category Eligibility
To be considered in a category-based draw, you must meet the general eligibility for Express Entry and also qualify under a 2025 category. This includes:

  • At least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in an eligible occupation within the last 3 years, or

  • Valid French-language test results showing CLB/NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills.

3. Ranking and Invitations
All eligible candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). In each draw, IRCC invites top-ranking candidates who meet the specific criteria of that category.

4. Apply for Permanent Residency
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Make sure all documents are up to date and submitted on time.

↑ Back to Top

Why Category-Based Selection Matters?

1. Higher Chances for In-Demand Jobs

If your occupation falls under one of the eligible categories—such as healthcare, trades, or education—you may receive an invitation to apply even with a lower CRS score than what’s typical in general draws. Similarly, French-speaking candidates often benefit from lower CRS cut-offs, as Canada continues to support Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

This creates an opportunity for qualified individuals who may have otherwise been overlooked in a purely score-based system.

2. Focused on Canada’s Real Needs

Rather than relying solely on a points-based ranking, category-based selection allows IRCC to directly target skills and sectors facing labor shortages. For example:

  • Nurses and healthcare workers are selected to support the aging population

  • Tradespeople are invited to fill construction and infrastructure gaps

  • Teachers and early childhood educators help meet education needs across provinces

This approach ensures that immigration serves both newcomers and the Canadian economy.

3. Updated Every Year

Each year, IRCC consults with provinces, territories, and labor market experts to determine which occupations and skills are most in demand. Categories are reviewed and adjusted to reflect:

  • New labor trends

  • Economic growth strategies

  • Demographic shifts

This means applicants can plan their immigration strategy by staying informed about annual changes and tailoring their profiles accordingly.

↑ Back to Top

Am I Eligible for Category-Based Selection?

To qualify for category-based draws under the Express Entry system, you must first meet the general eligibility criteria and then align with at least one of the 2025 targeted categories. Here’s what that means in detail:

1. Be Eligible for One of the Express Entry Programs

You must qualify for at least one of the following three federal immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For applicants with foreign work experience in skilled occupations.

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For tradespeople with qualifications and work experience in designated skilled trades.

Each program has its own requirements for work experience, language proficiency, and education.

2. Meet the Requirements of a 2025 Category

In addition to being eligible for one of the core programs, you must meet the specific criteria for one of the six Express Entry categories announced by IRCC for 2025. These include:

  • Language-based category: Strong French-language skills (minimum NCLC 7 in all four areas)

  • Occupation-based categories: At least 6 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in an eligible occupation in one of the following sectors:

    • Healthcare and Social Services

    • Trades

    • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

    • Agriculture and Agri-Food

    • Education

Your occupation must match an eligible 2021 NOC code listed under the category-based selection.

3. Have a Complete and Valid Express Entry Profile

You must:

  • Create a profile through the IRCC Express Entry system

  • Provide accurate information about your work history, education, language test results, and more

  • Ensure your language test and ECA (if required) are valid at the time of application

  • Regularly update your profile if anything changes

Incomplete or outdated profiles won’t be considered in category-based draws, even if you qualify otherwise.

↑ Back to Top

Tips to Boost Your Chances in Category-Based Express Entry

To improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Canada’s category-based Express Entry draws in 2025, you need to align your profile with Canada’s economic priorities while also maximizing your CRS score. Here’s how:

1. Improve Your CRS Score

  • Language Proficiency: High scores in English or French language tests significantly increase your CRS. Aim for CLB 9 or higher in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). For the French-language category, you must reach NCLC 7. Retaking a test to boost one or more bands can make a real difference.
  • Work Experience: More years of skilled work—either foreign or Canadian—add valuable CRS points. Canadian experience is especially important in 2025. TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations provide stronger eligibility.
  • Education: A Canadian degree or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)-recognized foreign credential (like a Master’s or PhD) increases your score. Studying in Canada may also qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class program.
  • Job Offer: While points for job offers were removed in March 2025, arranged employment may still support your overall strategy in PNPs or employer-driven pathways.

2. Target a 2025 Category

Tailor your Express Entry profile to match one of the six priority categories IRCC announced for 2025:

  • Check NOC Codes: Review the express-entry-category-based-occupation-list and confirm your job matches a listed NOC. For example, educators may qualify under NOC 41220 or 42203.
  • Gain Relevant Experience: If you don’t currently qualify, consider gaining experience in a related field. A general laborer could pivot to a certified trade like electrician (NOC 72200).
  • Develop French Skills: If you’re bilingual or open to learning French, invest in a French course. Francophone category draws often have lower CRS thresholds (e.g., 379 in March 2025).

3. Stay Updated on IRCC Announcements

  • Monitor Draws: Check the official IRCC website or subscribe to a trusted immigration newsletter to track draw schedules and CRS cut-offs. In 2025, draws for healthcare and trades have been especially active.
  • Understand Policy Changes: Stay alert for new updates. For example, in 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for job offers, shifting focus to language skills and experience.
  • Enter Early: Submit your Express Entry profile as soon as you’re eligible. IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule where earlier submission dates get priority if CRS scores are equal.

4. Additional Strategic Tips

  • Apply for a PNP: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can boost your CRS by 600 points. Many PNPs mirror federal priorities, especially in healthcare, trades, and education.
  • Choose the Right Principal Applicant: If applying as a couple, run the numbers to see who has the stronger profile (education, age, language) to become the main applicant.
  • Be Patient but Proactive: If your CRS is low, work on what you can control: improve language scores, get Canadian work experience, or explore a new NOC code that fits IRCC’s priority list.

By improving your CRS score, aligning your experience with the 2025 express-entry-category-based-occupation-list, and staying on top of IRCC updates, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for Express Entry. Canada’s immigration system rewards adaptability—plan smart and act early.

↑ Back to Top

Express-Entry-Category-Based-Occupation-List – 2025

CategoryOccupationNOC CodeTEER Category
HealthcareSpecialists in clinical and laboratory medicine311001
HealthcareSpecialists in surgery311011
HealthcareGeneral practitioners and family physicians311021
HealthcareVeterinarians311031
HealthcareDentists311101
HealthcareOptometrists311111
HealthcareAudiologists and speech language pathologists311121
HealthcarePharmacists311201
HealthcareDieticians and nutritionists311211
HealthcarePsychologists312001
HealthcareChiropractors312011
HealthcarePhysiotherapists312021
HealthcareOccupational therapists312031
HealthcareOther professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating312091
HealthcareNursing co-ordinators and supervisors313001
HealthcareRegistered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses313011
HealthcareNurse practitioners313021
HealthcarePhysician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals313031
HealthcareLicensed practical nurses321012
HealthcareParamedical occupations321022
HealthcareRespiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists321032
HealthcareAnimal health technologists and veterinary technicians321042
HealthcareOther technical occupations in therapy and assessment321092
HealthcareDental hygienists and dental therapists321112
HealthcareMedical laboratory technologists321202
HealthcareMedical radiation technologists321212
HealthcareMedical sonographers321222
HealthcareCardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists321232
HealthcarePharmacy technicians321242
HealthcareOther medical technologists and technicians321292
HealthcareMassage therapists322012
HealthcareMedical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations331013
HealthcareNurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates331023
HealthcarePharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants331033
HealthcareSocial workers413001
HealthcareTherapists in counselling and related specialized therapies413011
HealthcareSocial and community service workers422012
STEMArchitecture and science managers200110
STEMCybersecurity specialists212201
STEMCivil Engineers213001
STEMMechanical Engineers213011
STEMElectrical and electronics engineers213101
STEMIndustrial and manufacturing engineers213211
STEMGeological Engineers213311
STEMCivil engineering technologists and technicians223002
STEMMechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians223012
STEMElectrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians223102
STEMInsurance agents and brokers631003
TradeConstruction estimators223032
TradeCooks632003
TradeConstruction managers700100
TradeHome building and renovation managers700110
TradeMachinists and machining and tooling inspectors721002
TradeSheet metal workers721022
TradeWelders and related machine operators721062
TradeElectricians (except industrial and power system)722002
TradeIndustrial electricians722012
TradePlumbers723002
TradeGas fitters723022
TradeCarpenters723102
TradeCabinetmakers723112
TradeBricklayers723202
TradeConstruction millwrights and industrial mechanics724002
TradeHeavy-duty equipment mechanics724012
TradeHeating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics724022
TradeElectrical mechanics724222
TradeWater well drillers725012
TradeOther technical trades and related occupations729992
TradeConcrete finishers731003
TradeRoofers and shinglers731103
TradePainters and decorators (except interior decorators)731123
TradeFloor covering installers731133
TradeContractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services820212
AgricultureButchers - retail and wholesale632013
EducationElementary and secondary school teacher assistants431003
EducationInstructors of persons with disabilities422032
EducationEarly childhood educators and assistants422022
EducationElementary school and kindergarten teachers412211
EducationSecondary school teachers412201
Physicians with Canadian work experienceGeneral practitioners and family physicians311021
Physicians with Canadian work experienceSpecialists in surgery311011
Physicians with Canadian work experienceSpecialists in clinical and laboratory medicine311001
↑ Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions About Category-Based Selection in Canada Express Entry

Category-based selection is a system used by IRCC to target candidates in specific occupations or with specific skills—such as healthcare workers or French speakers—regardless of overall CRS ranking.

Yes, category-based draws often prioritize the occupation or language ability over raw CRS score.

Yes, but only among people eligible under that category. If you’re in the targeted group, IRCC invites the highest-ranking candidates within that category—not the entire pool.

Absolutely. Many categories accept foreign work experience as long as it’s full-time and recent (within the last 3 years).

IRCC provides an official list of eligible NOC codes. You can view this on their website or check the full list included on this page.

Yes, candidates with strong French skills can be selected in both general and category-based draws, depending on their CRS score and pool ranking.

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your full application for permanent residence through your Express Entry profile.

Yes! If you meet the requirements for multiple categories, you may be invited through any of them. For example, you could qualify under both STEM and French language.

Related Resources

Last updated: 2025-04-11