Canada has announced significant modifications to its 2025 Express Entry program, prioritizing the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream for permanent residency (PR). The government aims to address labor shortages by granting PR to skilled workers who have gained work experience within Canada. This shift will significantly impact immigration strategies and employment trends in the country.
Key Changes in the 2025 Express Entry Program
The two major modifications in the 2025 Express Entry system include:
- Introduction of a new education category
- Increased focus on foreign workers with Canadian work experience
These changes will ensure that the Canadian Experience Class becomes the primary pathway for skilled immigrants to obtain PR, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to retaining talent within the country.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, applicants must:
- Have completed at least one year of paid skilled work in Canada (or equivalent part-time work) within the last three years before applying.
- Hold valid temporary resident status while gaining work experience.
- Meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
- Unpaid internships and volunteer work do not count as valid work experience.
- Work experience gained while residing in Canada without legal authorization is not eligible.
- Work experience obtained outside Canada does not qualify under the CEC stream.
Recent Express Entry Draw Trends
| Date | Program | ITAs Issued | Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
The February 5, 2025, draw highlights the shift towards in-Canada skilled workers, demonstrating Canada’s intent to bolster its labor force through targeted immigration strategies.
Why is Canada Prioritizing In-Canada Skilled Workers?
Immigration accounts for nearly 100% of Canada’s labor force growth. To meet future workforce demands, Canada aims to:
- Retain temporary skilled workers and transition them to PR.
- Address labor shortages in crucial sectors such as healthcare, trade, and education.
- Strengthen the economy by ensuring long-term workforce stability.
2025 Express Entry Categories
The new categories under category-based rounds of invitations will include:
Priority Categories for Express Entry Draws
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists)
- STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Trade occupations (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations (e.g., teachers, childcare educators)
Targeted Occupations Under Express Entry
| Sector | Examples of Occupations |
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, pharmacists |
| Trades | Carpenters, electricians, plumbers |
| Education | Teachers, early childhood educators |
Express Entry’s Role in Canada’s Immigration System
Express Entry serves as the primary immigration pathway under the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (portion of applications)
Through these programs, Canada aims to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to its economic growth.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Express Entry changes reflect Canada’s evolving immigration priorities, emphasizing skilled foreign workers already contributing to the Canadian economy. With category-based invitations and increased focus on in-Canada work experience, foreign workers have a clearer pathway to achieving permanent residency in Canada.
Key Takeaways:
Canada prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for PR. New education category introduced for Express Entry 2025. Express Entry draws will focus on in-Canada skilled workers. Immigration remains vital to Canada’s labor force growth. French speakers and workers in healthcare, trades, and education will receive targeted invitations.
For aspiring Canadian immigrants, gaining skilled work experience in Canada is now a key advantage in securing permanent residency under the 2025 Express Entry Program.
