Canada is making changes to its Express Entry program. This program is a popular way for foreign workers to get jobs and permanent residence in Canada. In 2025, Canada will give priority to those who have work experience in Canada. This is being done to address the skills shortage in the country. Apart from this, a new education category is also being introduced. Let's know.
The Express Entry Program, a popular immigration route for foreign nationals seeking employment and permanent residence in Canada, is being revised. Canada has announced category-based draws for 2025 and plans to hold more draws to ease labour shortages. Two important amendments to the 2025 Express Entry program are the introduction of a new education category and a special focus on individuals with work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residence. This means that the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream will be a priority for the Canadian government when inviting foreigners to apply for permanent residence.
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada, which requires a minimum qualification in Canadian job experience and language fluency.
One year of paid skilled work must be completed
To be eligible for CEC you must have completed at least one year of paid skilled work in Canada during the three years prior to submitting the application. This can be full-time or equivalent part-time work. This work experience must be obtained while working as a temporary resident in Canada.
Then you will not be eligible for CEC
Voluntary work and unpaid internships are not acceptable forms of compensation for your skilled work experience, instead you must receive compensation in the form of salary or commission. If you have worked without permission and gained your work experience while temporarily living outside Canada then you are not eligible for CEC.
Express Entry draw was held recently
The last Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class was held on February 5, 2025. Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence were issued to 4,000 foreigners. The cut-off score for this draw was 521.
Canada's priority is to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada's future. This also includes converting temporary residents to permanent residence. Immigration is a significant contributor to the growth of Canada's labour force. It accounts for almost 100 per cent of the country's total workforce. Thus it helps to address labour shortages in key sectors.
What did Canada's Immigration Minister say?
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller has announced the 2025 Express Entry categories. This also includes a new education category. It aims to align the selection of federal economic immigrants with the country's long-term labour needs. It emphasises the importance of immigration in supporting economic growth.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's flagship application management system. It is for people who want to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and a part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
In the category-based round, IRCC invites candidates into the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category. Currently, the categories are - French language proficiency, healthcare and social service occupations, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) occupations, trade occupations, agriculture and agri-food occupations, and education occupations.
IRCC will conduct category-based invitation rounds in these categories
The federal Economic Class draws for 2025 will primarily target Canadian Experience Class candidates who already have work experience in Canada. Additionally, to meet Francophone immigration targets and address acute needs in health, trades and education, IRCC will conduct category-based invitation rounds in the following categories:
Strong French language skills, or
Work experience in the following fields
Healthcare and social services, such as family physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and chiropractors
Trades such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
Education such as teachers, child care teachers and trainers of persons with disabilities