Express Entry update: New education category, emphasis on strong French language skills

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:12:12 +0000

Canada is updating its immigration system to meet the country’s workforce needs better according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller who announced the new Express Entry categories for 2025. The changes include a new education category and updated rules to help fill job gaps.

For 2025, the focus is on inviting applicants with Canadian work experience—under the Canadian Experience Class—to apply for permanent residence. This shift comes as sectors like health care, construction, and education rely more on skilled workers.

IRCC will now send out invitations based on specific categories to address labour shortages and support French-speaking communities. This means candidates with strong French language skills, along with those with work experience in these key areas will be prioritized:

• Health care and social services: including family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors.
• Trades: such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors.
• Education: including teachers, child care educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities.

“Canada’s Express Entry system is evolving to meet the country’s changing needs. By addressing labour shortages, strengthening our economy, and increasing Francophone immigration, we are building a more dynamic workforce with professionals from in-demand fields. Our approach ensures that immigration remains a key driver of Canada’s growth, helping businesses thrive while supporting communities across the country,” said Miller.

STEM occupations no longer a priority

Although experts have suggested that Canada should focus on bringing in highly skilled workers — especially those with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) — to boost the economy and improve living standards for Canadians, the new changes do not reflect this sentiment. Several occupations previously prioritized under the STEM category—including architects, computer and information systems managers, software engineers and developers, and data scientists—are no longer considered priority roles. Instead, insurance agents and brokers have now been added to the list.

According to Miller, the new measures reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to a nimble immigration system that not only supports economic prosperity but also fosters the integration of skilled workers and professionals. IRCC’s updates are designed to facilitate the transition of temporary residents to permanent status, further bolstering Canada’s future workforce.

In addition to reinforcing the selection of candidates with relevant work experience, the revamped Express Entry system emphasizes the importance of Francophone immigration outside Quebec. By prioritizing candidates with strong French language proficiency, the government aims to bolster the economic vitality of Francophone communities across Canada.

The post Express Entry update: New education category, emphasis on strong French language skills first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/feed