Canada Prioritizes Health Care, Education, and Trades for Immigration in 2025

The Canadian government is adjusting its immigration priorities to address labor shortages in key sectors. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that health care, education, and trades workers will have an advantage in securing permanent residency in 2025. The latest changes aim to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy and fill critical job vacancies.

New Priority Occupations for Express Entry

The Express Entry system will now prioritize candidates in the education sector alongside health care and trades. This move follows Canada’s continued efforts to align immigration policies with labor market needs. The updated list of in-demand occupations includes:

Health Care: Family doctors, nurses, dentists, and social service workers.
Education: Kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, teachers’ assistants, and instructors for persons with disabilities.
Trades: Carpenters, plumbers, contractors, and cooks.

Changes to the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system, introduced in 2015, manages applications under various federal immigration programs. In 2023, the IRCC launched category-based selections to better target candidates with specific skills. This approach allows the government to issue invitations to apply (ITA) based on industry needs rather than just overall eligibility scores.

As of 2025, the government has removed the transport sector from its priority list while expanding its focus on education. Some occupations within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sector have also been removed, such as architects, software engineers, and data scientists. However, insurance agents and brokers have been added.

Support for French-Speaking Candidates

Applicants with proficiency in French also qualify for priority selection. The government continues to emphasize the importance of Francophone immigration outside Quebec to promote linguistic diversity and strengthen local communities.

Focus on Candidates with Canadian Experience

IRCC has also reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents. Candidates with prior work experience in Canada will have an advantage in securing permanent residency. The goal is to retain skilled workers who have already integrated into Canadian society and contribute to the economy.

Why These Changes Matter

The new selection priorities aim to address labor shortages and support economic growth. By focusing on these industries, the government hopes to attract professionals who can fill gaps in critical services. These updates align with Canada’s long-term strategy to maintain a skilled workforce and ensure immigration continues to benefit both the economy and local communities.

For more details on eligible occupations and application requirements, visit the IRCC’s Express Entry portal.

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