Do You Qualify for Express Entry's New STEM Category?

By Vikrant Singh, April 25, 2025

Canada’s Express Entry system for permanent residency (PR) has undergone a significant transformation—especially for those in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field. A recent update in February 2025 has dramatically reshaped who qualifies under the STEM category, affecting thousands of foreign nationals who either gained or lost eligibility overnight.

Major Shake-up: 19 Out, 6 In

In a move aimed at better aligning immigration with labor market needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the list of eligible occupations for STEM-targeted Express Entry draws. Nineteen occupations were removed, including some highly sought-after roles like software engineers, data scientists, and web developers. At the same time, six new occupations were added, bringing the total number of eligible STEM occupations down to just 11.

This shift has a major impact: many candidates who once qualified no longer do, while others have suddenly found themselves eligible for one of the most targeted and strategic immigration pathways into Canada.

The Updated STEM Occupation List (2025)

Below are the currently eligible occupations under the STEM category, with corresponding National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes. Newly added roles are in bold:

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

While some newly added roles—such as insurance agents—may seem surprising, it reflects the growing need for tech-savvy professionals in evolving industries.

How to Check If You Qualify

To be eligible for the STEM category:

Work Experience: You must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience (or an equivalent in part-time) in one of the eligible occupations within the past three years, either inside or outside Canada.
Meet Express Entry Requirements: You must also be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Step-by-Step Eligibility Check

Find Your NOC Code: Use the Government of Canada’s NOC website to search for the occupation that best fits your work experience.
Compare Job Duties: Ensure that your past work aligns with the main duties described under that NOC. You must have performed a substantial number of them.
Cross-Reference with STEM List: If your NOC is in the updated STEM table above, you’re eligible for STEM-targeted draws.

Job Title ≠ NOC Title

Keep in mind: your job title doesn't need to match exactly with the NOC title. What matters is that the duties you’ve performed match the responsibilities outlined in the NOC.

For example, a "Bridge Design Technician" may fall under "Civil engineering technologists and technicians (22300)," even if the job title sounds different.

Occupations Removed from STEM Category

The following roles were eliminated from the STEM list in February 2025:

Software developers and programmers (21232)
Data scientists (21211)
Computer engineers (21311)
Web designers (21233)
Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (21210)
And 14 others

These removals reflect IRCC’s intention to prioritize occupations currently experiencing more acute shortages in the Canadian labor market.

Why the STEM Category Matters

Express Entry’s category-based draws can offer a significant advantage. In 2024, general draws had CRS cut-off scores as high as 549, while STEM draws had lower cut-offs around 491, making it more accessible for skilled candidates with moderate CRS scores.

With 4,500 candidates invited under the STEM category in 2024 alone, the pathway offers a more targeted—and achievable—route to PR for those in in-demand roles.

Final Thoughts

If you're working in a technical field and considering immigration to Canada, staying on top of these changes is crucial. The updated STEM category could be your ticket to Canadian permanent residency—or a sign to pivot your strategy.

Not sure where you stand? Take the time to review your job duties, compare with the NOC descriptions, and see if you now qualify under Canada’s new STEM direction. It could make all the difference in your immigration journey.

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