Canada’s immigration system is shifting—and the Express Entry STEM category has changed dramatically.
As of February 2025, 19 occupations have been removed and 6 new ones added, meaning some candidates have lost eligibility, while others have only now become qualified.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker in science, technology, engineering, or math, understanding the new STEM list is critical for your permanent residency (PR) journey.
Updated STEM Occupations for Express Entry in 2025
Here are the 11 occupations now eligible under the revised STEM category. The newly added occupations are bolded:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Geological engineers | 21331 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 |
| Mechanical engineers | 21301 |
Even if your job title doesn’t exactly match, your work duties must substantially align with the NOC description. Cross-checking your experience with the official NOC website is essential.
Step-by-Step: How to Check If You’re Eligible
- Find your NOC code: Go to Canada’s NOC page, enter your job title or related keywords, and review the closest matches.
- Review the job duties: Make sure your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed under that NOC.
- Confirm your experience: You need at least 6 months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last 3 years.
- Check if your NOC is in the new STEM list above.
If it is—you may qualify for a STEM category-based draw, giving you a competitive edge.
Why This Matters: The Power of Category-Based Draws
Category-based draws invite only those who meet specific criteria, so the CRS score cut-offs are lower than general draws.
In 2024:
- General draws ranged from 524 to 549
- CEC draws ranged from 507 to 547
- The STEM draw was just 491 — and 4,500 people received invitations
This means even if your score is under 500, a targeted occupation could still secure your PR invitation.
Removed Occupations to Be Aware Of
Some commonly assumed STEM roles were dropped in February 2025. For example:
- Software developers (21232)
- Data scientists (21211)
- Computer engineers (21311)
- Web developers (21234)
- Architects (21200)
If your occupation is among those removed, it’s time to pivot your strategy or consider another eligible stream.
Canada’s immigration system evolves—so should your plan.
If you’re in a high-demand STEM role on the current list, this could be the perfect time to apply under the updated Express Entry category. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
