On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the 2025 Express Entry categories, which include a new education category.
For 2025, the focus of the federal economic class draws will be to invite candidates with experience working in Canada (Canadian Experience Class) to apply for permanent residence.
Additionally, to meet Francophone immigration targets and meet the 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:
- health care 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 educators and instructors of persons with disabilities
Background
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
From 2018 to 2024, admissions under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class accounted for approximately 48% of overall French‑speaking immigrant admissions outside Quebec, and approximately 64% of French-speaking economic immigrant admissions outside of Quebec. (Note: Data are preliminary estimates and subject to change.)
In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.