Major Adjustment to Canada’s Express Entry STEM Occupations: 6 New Jobs Added, 19 Removed
Structural and Strategic Shifts in STEM Occupation Categories
In response to evolving labor market needs, IRCC reevaluated the STEM occupation list in early 2025. The revision is not merely a reduction in occupation count but a significant redirection of policy priorities—from IT and data-centric fields to those focused on engineering applications, manufacturing technologies, and infrastructure. Only 11 occupations now remain in the prioritized STEM category, presenting new criteria for those pursuing permanent residency through skilled immigration.
Updated STEM Occupation List (2025 Edition)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 (New) |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 (New) |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Geological Engineers | 21331 (New) |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 (New) |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 (New) |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 (New) |
Note: Applicants must use the Canadian government’s NOC system to match their actual job duties—not job titles—to the appropriate NOC codes.
How to Determine If You Qualify Under the STEM Category
Step 1: Verify Your Work Experience
You must have at least 6 months of full-time, continuous, relevant work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past 3 years, and meet the criteria of at least one of the following Express Entry programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Step 2: Match the NOC Code
Visit the official Canadian NOC database, input keywords related to your job, and find the occupation whose duties align most closely with your actual role.
Step 3: Check If It’s on the STEM List
If the corresponding NOC code is on the 11 STEM-priority list, you may be eligible for a dedicated STEM draw in Express Entry.
Newly Added STEM Occupations & Example Job Titles
Below are the newly added occupations in 2025 with sample job titles to help you align your experience:
- Civil engineering technologists and technicians: Bridge design technician; Building materials technician; Construction specifications writer; Construction technologist; Foundation technologist; Highway technician; Municipal engineering assistant; Soil technologist - civil engineering; Structural design technologist; Structural investigator
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians: Communications technologist; Electricity distribution network technologist; Electronics design technologist; Electronics engineering technician; Electronics engineering technologist; Electronics manufacturing technician; Electronics manufacturing technologist; Lighting technologist; Metering technologist; Microwave maintenance technician; Production support technician - electronics manufacturing
- Geological Engineers: Geophysical engineer; Hydrogeological engineer - engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: Aeronautical technologist; Heating designer; Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologist; Machine designer; Marine engineering technologist; Mechanical technologist; Mould designer; Thermal station technician; Tool and die designer; Tool designer
- Mechanical Engineers: Acoustics engineer; Automotive engineer; Design engineer - mechanical; Energy conservation engineer; Fluid mechanics engineer; Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineer; Mechanical maintenance engineer; Nuclear engineer; Piping engineer; Power generation engineer; Refrigeration engineer; Robotics engineer; Thermal design engineer; Tool engineer
- Insurance agents and brokers: Insurance sales representative; Insurance sales supervisor
List of 19 STEM Occupations Removed
The following occupations are no longer part of the STEM category:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Architects | 21200 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Engineering managers | 20010 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Land surveyors | 21203 |
| Landscape Architects | 21201 |
| Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries | 21210 |
| Metallurgical and materials engineers | 21322 |
| Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers | 41400 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Urban and land use planners | 21202 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
Why Is the STEM Category So Important?
STEM-targeted draws under Express Entry offer a competitive advantage in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). In 2024, general draws had minimum CRS cutoffs between 524 and 549, while STEM draws required only 491 points. A total of 4,500 applicants were invited through STEM-specific rounds, meaning even those with a CRS below 500 had a real shot—provided they worked in a qualifying occupation.
Conclusion
As Canada’s skilled immigration system continues to evolve, the Express Entry STEM category is becoming more aligned with real industry demands. For professionals in engineering, manufacturing, or mechanics, now is a crucial time to seize new opportunities. Staying informed of updated occupation lists, planning your path strategically, and accurately matching your experience to NOC codes are key steps toward achieving permanent residency in Canada.
Canada's Express Entry: Latest Draw Sees PNP Favoured Again, 511 Candidates Invited
In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again focused on candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 511 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to applicants, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 706. This marks the third draw in May 2025 and brings the total number of ITAs issued this year via Express Entry to nearly 34,000, clearly reflecting Canada's sustained preference and strategic focus on specific skills and PNP talent.
05/13/2025
Unlocking the Career Door for International Students in Canada: Essential Guide to Applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For many international students aspiring to work and settle in Canada, obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial first step. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that PGWP eligibility hinges on studying at a qualified Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolling in a PGWP-eligible program. Notably, beginning November 1, 2024, graduates at certain study levels will face new language proficiency and field of study restrictions. This report provides a detailed interpretation of IRCC's relevant regulations, guiding international students on how to choose schools and programs correctly to ensure successful PGWP acquisition.
05/12/2025
British Columbia Nears Cap on "High Economic Impact" Skilled Worker Invitations in First 2025 Draw
On May 8, 2025, British Columbia conducted its first skilled worker immigration draw of the year under its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), inviting 94 candidates. The draw specifically targeted individuals with the potential for "high economic impact." This follows a period in 2025 where the BC PNP had only held draws for its entrepreneur streams. With the province having previously announced a cap of "approximately 100" nominations for this high-impact pathway due to reduced federal allocations, this draw nearly exhausts that limit. Significant adjustments to other BC PNP streams have also been announced.
05/12/2025
New Opportunities! Major Adjustments to Canada's Express Entry Immigration Policy: Significant Expansion of Trade Occupations List
Canada's Express Entry system underwent a landmark reform on February 27, 2025, with its Trade category experiencing significant adjustments. This change added 19 new occupations and removed 4, bringing the total number of certified occupations in this category to 25. This move aims to more accurately address the urgent needs of Canada's labor market, paving a smoother path to permanent residency (PR) for professionals with specific skills, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is not top-tier.
05/09/2025
Canada's Maple Leaf Card Express: Eight Provinces Open Dedicated Permanent Residence Pathways for International Graduates
For international graduates who have completed their studies in Canada and aspire to long-term development, multiple pathways to permanent resident status (Maple Leaf Card) are opening up. Currently, eight Canadian provinces have specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams tailored for international student graduates. These programs aim to simplify the process for foreign nationals who have studied in a province to transition to permanent resident status. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of these provinces, their specific graduate immigration streams, an overview of eligibility criteria, and key requirements, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for prospective applicants.
05/08/2025
New Canadian Immigration Opportunity: Sault Ste. Marie Announces Designated Employers for Rural Pathway
Canada's immigration landscape sees a significant update as Sault Ste. Marie, a city in Northern Ontario, has officially released its initial list of designated employers for the federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This move is a major step for the city in attracting and retaining skilled immigrants and opens new pathways to Canadian permanent residence for eligible applicants globally. Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots through this pilot for 2025.
05/08/2025
IRCC Introduces Major Convenience: Eligible IEC Participants Can Receive New Work Permits Via Mail In-Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a significant policy change allowing eligible International Experience Canada (IEC) participants already in the country to receive their new work permits by mail to their Canadian address, provided they meet specific criteria. Effective immediately until December 1, 2025, this measure aims to streamline the renewal process and enhance convenience, particularly in response to the 'flagpoling' ban implemented since December 24, 2024, thereby reducing pressure on border resources.
05/07/2025
Thunder Bay's RCIP Program Achieves Key Milestone: First List of Designated Employers Officially Released
Thunder Bay, a city in Northwestern Ontario, has officially released the first list of its designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program is employer-focused, requiring applicants to secure a full-time job offer from a designated employer within the community and meet specific criteria related to language, education, settlement funds, and more. The release of this list, outlining businesses approved by the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) across sectors like retail, food service, construction, and healthcare, provides crucial information for individuals interested in immigrating through Thunder Bay's RCIP pathway.
05/06/2025
BC Provincial Nominee Program Undergoes Major Overhaul: 2025 Intake Drastically Cut, Prioritizing Specific Healthcare Roles
Canada's British Columbia (BC) has recently announced significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Facing dual pressures from a substantial cut in its 2025 federal nomination allocation and a large existing application backlog, BC has decided to limit the intake of new applications to 1,100 for 2025, reserving the vast majority of these spots for healthcare workers in specific occupations. Concurrently, the province has tightened the eligibility criteria for the Health Authority stream, specifying that only professionals directly involved in providing healthcare services can now apply, aiming to prioritize addressing the province's critical healthcare workforce needs.
05/05/2025
Manitoba PNP Holds Targeted Draw, Inviting Overseas Skilled Workers via Strategic Recruitment Initiative
Continuing its steady pace of invitations in 2025, the Canadian province of Manitoba held its latest Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) draw on May 1. This draw specifically targeted overseas skilled workers who received a direct invitation through the province's "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," issuing 26 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The minimum required ranking score for invited candidates was 727, with some possessing federal Express Entry profiles. This action underscores Manitoba's strategy of utilizing specific recruitment channels to attract in-demand talent.
05/04/2025
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