Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, and 2025 has brought major changes to its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category. If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through this pathway, it’s essential to understand these updates—what occupations are now eligible, which have been removed, and how it could affect your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency (PR).
🔄 What’s New in the 2025 STEM Category?
In February 2025, IRCC streamlined the STEM category, reducing the total number of eligible occupations from 24 to 11. This was done to better align the immigration system with the evolving needs of Canada’s labour market—particularly in engineering and infrastructure.
✅ Newly Added Occupations:
Six occupations were added to the list:
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22300)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22310)
- Geological Engineers (NOC 21331)
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22301)
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100)
These roles reflect Canada’s growing demand for skilled professionals in construction, infrastructure, and mechanical systems.
❌ Removed Occupations:
Nineteen job titles were removed, including many IT and digital roles such as:
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Data Scientists
- Web Developers
- Computer Engineers
- Architects and Landscape Architects
- Urban Planners
- Database Analysts
This shift may come as a surprise to tech professionals, but it underlines a strategic reorientation toward sectors experiencing acute shortages in physical infrastructure and manufacturing.
🧭 Am I Still Eligible?
To qualify under the STEM category:
- Work Experience: You need at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equivalent in part-time) in one of the eligible occupations within the past three years.
- Express Entry Program Requirements: You must also meet the base eligibility for at least one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- NOC Match: Your work duties must align closely with the official responsibilities listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code for the occupation.
You can confirm your NOC match by comparing your experience against the official duties listed for that code. If your role aligns with the lead statement and you’ve performed most of the core duties, you’re good to go.
📉 Why This Matters for CRS Scores
Express Entry is competitive, with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores often determining who receives an invitation to apply for PR.
In 2024:
- General draws had cut-offs between 524 and 549
- Canadian Experience Class draws ranged between 507 and 547
- STEM category draws had a lower threshold—as low as 491—making it more accessible to those with modest CRS scores
That means even if you’re scoring below the general draw cut-offs, your occupation might open a targeted pathway to PR through STEM-specific draws.
👨💼 Example Job Titles Newly Eligible in 2025
Here are a few examples of alternate job titles now eligible under newly added occupations:
Civil Engineering Technologists
Bridge Design Technician, Soil Technologist, Highway Technician
Electronics Engineering Technologists
Metering Technologist, Electronics Manufacturing Technician
Mechanical Engineers
HVAC Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Piping Engineer
Insurance Agents and Brokers
Insurance Sales Supervisor, Insurance Sales Representative
🛡️ Your Safer Route to Canadian PR: How ICC Immigration Can Help
Canada’s immigration process is complex—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. ICC Immigration offers strategic guidance, helping clients avoid high-risk pathways like asylum claims and instead follow structured, successful approaches to Permanent Residency.
ICC Immigration Services Include:
- PR Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and family sponsorships
- Work & Study Permits as stepping stones to PR
- Family Reunification to bring loved ones together in Canada
- Legal Advice from professionals ensuring full compliance with immigration rules
Rather than take a risky or uncertain route, ICC Immigration empowers you to pursue Canadian PR with confidence and clarity—no matter your background or career stage.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned mechanical engineer or a newly eligible technologist, the 2025 changes to Canada’s STEM category may open new doors—or close others. Now more than ever, staying informed and planning strategically is the key to turning your Canadian dream into reality.
If your occupation still qualifies under the updated STEM list, take action now—get your documents ready, evaluate your CRS score, and consult professionals to maximize your chances in the next draw.