New Express Entry Rules in Canada: What You Need to Know about Express Entry visa to Canada in 2025

Canada has announced new changes to its Express Entry system for 2025, focusing on category-based draws and giving priority to candidates already living in Canada. These updates aim to address labor shortages in key sectors and make the immigration process more streamlined and efficient.

The revised rules not only impact the application process but also redefine assessment criteria. The 2025 Express Entry updates introduce a new education category and expand in-Canada draws, signaling a shift towards prioritizing specific skill sets and educational backgrounds.

If you’re planning to move to Canada through the Express Entry system, here’s everything you need to know about these new rules in the express entry visa to Canada and how they might impact your immigration journey.

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Canadian government to select skilled workers for permanent residence (PR). It handles applications in three program areas

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Latest Changes in the Express Entry System for 2025

More Focus on Category-Based Draws

Instead of only relying on high CRS scores, Canada will conduct more category-based draws in 2025. This means priority will be given to candidates with experience in specific industries or skills that are in demand.

The targeted categories for 2025 include:

Healthcare
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Trades (Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, etc.)
Transport
Agriculture and Agri-Food

This is great news for professionals in these sectors, as they will have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Let’s examine it in detail.

Introduction of the Education Category

One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the addition of the Education category to the Express Entry visa to canada. This new category aims to address labor shortages in the education sector by providing a pathway for professionals in these roles to pursue Canadian permanent residency. The occupations included under this category are:

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100): These professionals support teachers in classroom management and lesson delivery, playing a crucial role in student development.

Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203): Specialists who design and implement educational programs tailored for individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education.
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202): Educators responsible for the care and early development of children, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221): Teachers who instruct young students in basic subjects, fostering academic and social growth.
Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220): Educators who teach specialized subjects to adolescents, preparing them for higher education or the workforce.

This strategic inclusion underscores Canada’s commitment to strengthening its educational framework by attracting qualified professionals from around the world.

Modifications to Existing Categories

Alongside the introduction of the Education category, several adjustments have been made to existing categories to better align with Canada’s labor market needs.

Healthcare and Social Services: This category has been expanded to include additional roles such as pharmacists, social workers, dental hygienists, and pharmacy technicians. These changes reflect the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the country.

Trades: The Trades category now encompasses a broader range of occupations, including construction managers, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, industrial electricians, and cooks. This expansion aims to address shortages in critical infrastructure and technical trade sectors.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): While the STEM category remains integral, certain occupations have been removed from targeted draws to focus on professions experiencing more acute shortages. Applicants in these fields may need to explore alternative pathways or general draws for immigration.

These modifications indicate a targeted approach to immigration, focusing on sectors with pressing labor shortages.

Continued Focus on French-Language Proficiency

Canada continues to prioritize Francophone immigration to support and enrich its bilingual communities. Candidates with strong French language skills are given precedence in category-based draws, reinforcing the country’s commitment to linguistic diversity.

For prospective immigrants from Kerala, investing in French language training can be a strategic advantage, opening up additional pathways for permanent residency.

More In-Canada Draws

One of the biggest updates is an increased focus on selecting candidates already living in Canada, particularly those under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

This means that temporary workers and international students who are already in the country may receive priority over those applying from abroad. This move aims to help businesses retain skilled workers and reduce labor shortages. This emphasis on Canadian Work Experience is beneficial for many.

For applicants from Kerala, this change highlights the importance of gaining Canadian work experience. Engaging in temporary work or study programs in Canada can significantly enhance your eligibility for permanent residency under the CEC.

Faster Processing and Better Transparency

The Canadian government is also working on improving processing times and making the Express Entry visa to Canada more transparent. This will help applicants understand their chances and the selection process more clearly.

How These Changes Benefit Immigration Aspirants

Being the best immigration consultants in Kerala for Canada, we believe the 2025 Express Entry changes present both opportunities and challenges for applicants from Kerala.

Opportunities: Professionals in education, healthcare, and skilled trades now have more defined pathways to permanent residency. Additionally, acquiring Canadian work experience or demonstrating French language proficiency can significantly bolster your application.
Challenges: With the removal of certain STEM occupations from targeted draws, applicants in these fields may face increased competition and may need to explore alternative immigration programs or provinces with specific demand for their skills.

What Should You Do Now?

If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry visa to canada in 2025, here’s how you can prepare

Check if your profession falls under the new targeted categories
Improve your CRS score by gaining more work experience, improving language skills, or securing a job offer.
Explore opportunities for temporary work or study in Canada to gain valuable Canadian experience, enhancing your eligibility under the CEC.
Stay updated on new immigration policies to ensure you meet the latest requirements.

Final Thoughts

The new Express Entry visa to Canada rules for 2025 bring positive changes, especially for skilled professionals and those already in Canada. With a focus on category-based draws and faster processing, these updates will make the immigration process more efficient while addressing labor shortages in important industries.

If you’re considering moving to Canada, now is the time to assess your eligibility, strengthen your profile, and stay informed about the latest updates.

Would you like help in understanding your eligibility or improving your chances of getting selected? Atlantis, Best Immigration Consultants In Kerala and the Best Visa Consultants In Kerala can help you with the right guidance and preparation to achieve the dream of a new life in Canada within your reach.