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)
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

CategoryOccupationNOC CodeTEER Category
Healthcare and Social ServicesAnimal health technologists and veterinary technicians321042
Healthcare and Social ServicesAudiologists and speech language pathologists311121
Healthcare and Social ServicesCardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists321232
Healthcare and Social ServicesChiropractors312011
Healthcare and Social ServicesDental hygienists and dental therapists321112
Healthcare and Social ServicesDentists311101
Healthcare and Social ServicesDieticians and nutritionists311211
Healthcare and Social ServicesGeneral practitioners and family physicians311021
Healthcare and Social ServicesLicensed practical nurses321012
Healthcare and Social ServicesMassage therapists322012
Healthcare and Social ServicesMedical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations331013
Healthcare and Social ServicesMedical laboratory technologists321202
Healthcare and Social ServicesMedical radiation technologists321212
Healthcare and Social ServicesMedical sonographers321222
Healthcare and Social ServicesNurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates331023
Healthcare and Social ServicesNurse practitioners313021
Healthcare and Social ServicesNursing co-ordinators and supervisors313001
Healthcare and Social ServicesOccupational therapists312031
Healthcare and Social ServicesOptometrists311111
Healthcare and Social ServicesOther medical technologists and technicians321292
Healthcare and Social ServicesOther professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating312091
Healthcare and Social ServicesOther technical occupations in therapy and assessment321092
Healthcare and Social ServicesParamedical occupations321022
Healthcare and Social ServicesPharmacists311201
Healthcare and Social ServicesPharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants331033
Healthcare and Social ServicesPharmacy technicians321242
Healthcare and Social ServicesPhysician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals313031
Healthcare and Social ServicesPhysiotherapists312021
Healthcare and Social ServicesPsychologists312001
Healthcare and Social ServicesRegistered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses313011
Healthcare and Social ServicesRespiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists321032
Healthcare and Social ServicesSocial and community service workers422012
Healthcare and Social ServicesSocial workers413001
Healthcare and Social ServicesSpecialists in clinical and laboratory medicine311001
Healthcare and Social ServicesSpecialists in surgery311011
Healthcare and Social ServicesTherapists in counselling and related specialized therapies413011
Healthcare and Social ServicesVeterinarians311031
STEMArchitecture and science managers200110
STEMCivil engineering technologists and technicians223002
STEMCivil Engineers213001
STEMCybersecurity specialists212201
STEMElectrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians223102
STEMElectrical and electronics engineers213101
STEMGeological Engineers213311
STEMIndustrial and manufacturing engineers213211
STEMInsurance agents and brokers631003
STEMMechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians223012
STEMMechanical Engineers213011
TradesContractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services820212
TradesFloor covering installers731133
TradesPainters and decorators (except interior decorators)731123
TradesRoofers and shinglers731103
TradesConcrete finishers731003
TradesOther technical trades and related occupations729992
TradesWater well drillers725012
TradesElectrical mechanics724222
TradesHeating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics724022
TradesHeavy-duty equipment mechanics724012
TradesConstruction millwrights and industrial mechanics724002
TradesBricklayers723202
TradesCabinetmakers723112
TradesCarpenters723102
TradesGas fitters723022
TradesPlumbers723002
TradesIndustrial electricians722012
TradesElectricians (except industrial and power system)722002
TradesWelders and related machine operators721062
TradesSheet metal workers721022
TradesMachinists and machining and tooling inspectors721002
TradesHome building and renovation managers700110
TradesConstruction managers700100
TradesCooks632003
TradesConstruction estimators223032
Agriculture and Agri-FoodButchers – 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
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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.

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Last updated: 2025-04-11