Canada has once again shaken up its STEM stream in Express Entry, and the 2025 changes raise many questions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of occupations: new professions have been added, familiar ones remain, and, shockingly, almost all IT specialties have been removed. Let’s break down who made the list, who got cut, and what this means for those dreaming of life in Canada.
What new professions have been added?
Seven new professions have entered the game. Among them are engineers and their assistants:
- Civil engineers and their technicians
- Mechanical engineers and technicians
- Geological engineers
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
But here’s a surprise – insurance agents and brokers. They have somehow been prioritized and added to the engineering-mathematical category. Perhaps because realtors and brokers are good at calculating percentages?
The most interesting addition is the inclusion of technicians, as they do not require licensing, unlike mechanical engineers and other engineers. This opens doors for those who are not ready for a long licensing process.
Some specialists remain untouched
The list of long-standing STEM professions is short but strong:
- Architecture and science managers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Industrial and manufacturing engineers
So, where’s the big loss?
IRCC has removed an entire army of IT specialists:
- Software developers
- Web designers
- Systems analysts
- Data scientists
- Programmers
Goodbye to Computer Engineers, Software Developers, Data Scientists, Web Developers, and dozens of others. This is not just a reduction but a signal: Canada seems to be shifting focus from the digital world to physical infrastructure. Architects, mathematicians, and researchers were also removed from the list, but the IT cut is the biggest shock.
After so many years in immigration, I must say I’m puzzled
Eliminating IT in the digital age may be a bold move, but it is undoubtedly a mistake. On the other hand, adding non-licensed technicians is a great opportunity for engineers from countries like Ukraine, where they have experience but lack Canadian credentials. Now, they can work as assistants, gain experience, and get licensed later. The path has become easier.
· If you are an engineer, get your documents ready, but check whether a license is required.
· For technicians, the opportunity is already here.
· IT professionals should look for alternative routes: PNP or securing a job in Canada to gain experience.
STEM is changing, but Canada is still calling—just with a different focus.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
Copyright 2024 “SKI Immigration Inc.” All rights reserved.
