Canada Announces 2025 Express Entry Strategy with Focus on In-Canada Experience and High-Demand Sectors
Canada continues to evolve its immigration approach to meet pressing labor market demands. On February 27, 2025, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new category-based draws under the Express Entry system for 2025—with an emphasis on candidates already working in Canada and professionals in high-demand fields.
“Immigration is a cornerstone of Canada’s economic strategy—and Express Entry is adapting to keep pace with our country’s needs.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
This update reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainable economic growth by welcoming skilled workers who are best positioned to contribute to key sectors and integrate successfully into Canadian communities.
New and Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025:
Canadian Experience Class:
Priority will be given to candidates with recent Canadian work experience, making it easier for temporary residents to transition to permanent residency.Category-Based Draws:
Invitations will also focus on candidates with:Strong French language skills (especially outside Quebec);
Work experience in the following priority sectors:
Health care and social services: Physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and more;
Skilled trades: Carpenters, plumbers, general contractors, etc.;
Education: Teachers, early childhood educators, and disability instructors.
Key Areas of Support:
The refined selection process is designed to target professionals with essential skills and language competencies, improving the responsiveness of the immigration system in several ways:
Addressing persistent labor shortages in healthcare, trades, and education;
Strengthening Francophone immigration across Canada;
Supporting a smooth transition for temporary residents to permanent status.
