The Canadian government announced the Express Entry category-based draws for 2025, which include a new education category.

Key Points:

  • 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.
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct category-based invitation rounds in the following categories:
    • Strong French language skills
    • 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, childcare educators and instructors of persons with disabilities
  • Officials stated that to meet Francophone immigration targets and the acute needs in health, trades and education, the focus of the federal economic class draws will be candidates with experience working in Canada (Canadian Experience Class) to apply for permanent residence.

Additional Information: IRCC is focusing economic immigrant selection efforts on priority sectors, such as healthcare, construction and education. The government is prioritizing bringing in skilled workers who have specific skills, training or language abilities to support economic growth in these sectors, with a focus on targeting more in-Canada draws specifically to reduce labor shortages.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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