Canada’s Express Entry STEM category has undergone significant changes in early 2025, with 19 occupations removed and 6 new ones added. This means some candidates no longer qualify, while others may now be eligible for the first time. Check out this article to find out if you qualify under the New STEM occupations category.
Check Your Eligibility for STEM Category-Based Draws
Qualifying for a category-based draw can be the deciding factor in securing Canadian permanent residency (PR)—or missing out entirely.
Key Updates to the STEM Category (2025)
The revised STEM category now includes 11 eligible occupations. Below is the updated list, with newly added occupations 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 |
Note: Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system categorizes jobs based on roles and responsibilities. Your job title may differ from the official NOC listing.
How to Check If You Qualify for the STEM Category
To be eligible, you must:
✔ Have at least 6 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a STEM-listed occupation within the past 3 years (in Canada or abroad).
✔ Meet Express Entry’s minimum criteria (eligibility for Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program).
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Your Eligibility
Step 1: Find Your NOC Code
- Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page.
- Use the “Filter items” search bar to find your job title or related keywords.
- If your exact title isn’t listed, try variations.
- Note the NOC code(s) matching your work experience.
Step 2: Verify Duties & Responsibilities
- Check the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) NOC page.
- Search by NOC code to see example job titles and duties.
- Ensure your role involved most of the listed duties for that NOC.
Step 3: Confirm STEM Category Eligibility
- Cross-check your NOC code with the updated STEM list above.
- If it matches, you qualify for STEM category-based draws!
Newly Added STEM Occupations (2025) with Example Job Titles
| NOC Title | Example Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | Bridge design technician, Construction technologist, Municipal engineering assistant |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | Electronics engineering technologist, Communications technologist, Metering technologist |
| Geological Engineers | Geophysical engineer, Hydrogeological engineer |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | HVAC technologist, Marine engineering technologist, Tool designer |
| Mechanical Engineers | Robotics engineer, Nuclear engineer, Refrigeration engineer |
| Insurance agents and brokers | Insurance sales representative, Insurance sales supervisor |
Removed Occupations (No Longer Eligible for STEM Category)
The following 19 occupations were removed from the STEM category in February 2025:
- Architects (21200)
- Business systems specialists (21221)
- Computer and information systems managers (20012)
- Computer engineers (21311)
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
- Data scientists (21211)
- Database analysts (21223)
- Engineering managers (20010)
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Land surveyors (21203)
- Landscape Architects (21201)
- Mathematicians, statisticians (21210)
- Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322)
- Natural and applied science policy researchers (41400)
- Software developers (21232)
- Software engineers (21231)
- Urban and land use planners (21202)
- Web designers (21233)
- Web developers (21234)
Why Does the STEM Category Improve Your PR Chances?
If you qualify for a category-based draw, you have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
CRS Score Comparison (2024 Examples)
- General Draws: CRS cut-off ranged from 524–549
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CRS cut-off between 507–547
- STEM Draws: CRS cut-off as low as 491 (with 4,500 ITAs issued in one draw)
Even if your CRS score is below 500, you could still get an ITA if your occupation is in demand under the STEM category.
Next Steps
- Check your NOC code against the updated list.
- Confirm eligibility for Express Entry.
- Improve your CRS score (language tests, education upgrades, etc.).
Need help? Fill out our assessment form for a free assessment of your profile and personalized guidance.
