Express Entry STEM category

Do You Qualify for Canada’s 2025 Express Entry STEM Category?

The Express Entry STEM category has undergone major changes in 2025. With 19 occupations removed and 6 newly added, the list of eligible roles looks significantly different. This update has impacted thousands of skilled professionals globally—some no longer meet the criteria, while others now have a brand-new opportunity to apply.

Being eligible for the Express Entry STEM category could be the key difference between receiving Canadian permanent residency or missing the chance altogether. Here’s everything you need to know to find out if you qualify.

Occupations Now Eligible Under the 2025 Express Entry STEM Category

As of February 2025, the Express Entry STEM category includes 11 key occupations. Below is the updated list with newly added roles clearly noted:

These roles are recognized under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, which groups jobs based on duties and responsibilities. Your actual job title may differ, but your work must align closely with one of these listed occupations.

How to Check If You Qualify for the Express Entry STEM Category

To be eligible under the Express Entry STEM category, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Work Experience

You must have at least six months of full-time continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the last three years in one of the eligible occupations—whether in Canada or internationally.

Step 2: Meet Express Entry Program Requirements

You must also qualify for one of the following programs under Express Entry:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Step 3: Match Your Job Duties

Confirm that your job responsibilities match the NOC description. You must have performed a substantial number of the main duties listed under that NOC to qualify under the Express Entry STEM category.

New Additions to the Express Entry STEM Category in 2025

Below are the newly added occupations and some example job titles that might help you identify if your role is included:

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Bridge Design Technician

• Construction Technologist

• Structural Investigator

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Electronics Design Technologist

• Lighting Technologist

• Production Support Technician

Geological Engineers

• Hydrogeological Engineer

• Geophysical Engineer

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Marine Engineering Technologist

• HVAC Technologist

• Tool Designer

Mechanical Engineers

• Automotive Engineer

• Robotics Engineer

• Piping Engineer

Insurance Agents and Brokers

• Insurance Sales Representative

• Insurance Sales Supervisor

These additions have created new opportunities for foreign nationals in the Express Entry STEM category.

Occupations Removed from the STEM Category

The following occupations are no longer part of the Express Entry STEM category:

• Architects

• Software Developers and Programmers

• Data Scientists

• Web Designers and Developers

• Urban Planners

• Mathematicians

• Engineering Managers

• And others (19 in total)

If you were previously eligible under any of these, your application must now fall under a different stream.

Why Express Entry STEM Category Matters

Being eligible for the Express Entry STEM category greatly improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. That’s because category-based draws typically have lower CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cut-off scores than general draws.

For instance:

• In 2024, general draws had CRS scores between 524 to 549

• STEM draws had cut-offs as low as 491

This means even candidates with a lower CRS score—such as 500—might still qualify under the Express Entry STEM category, whereas they would be excluded from general or CEC draws.

Final Thoughts

If you work in one of the updated eligible occupations and meet the basic program criteria, the Express Entry STEM category can be your gateway to Canadian permanent residency. Make sure your work experience aligns with the NOC requirements, and don’t miss the opportunity to immigrate through this specialized pathway.

At Navyah Immigration Services, we help individuals navigate their eligibility for programs like the Express Entry STEM category, ensuring your profile is aligned with the latest immigration rules. Contact us today to see if you qualify and take the first step toward your Canadian dream.