Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve — and for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the rules just changed. In February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made major updates to the STEM category in Express Entry, removing 19 occupations and adding six new ones. For many professionals, this reshuffle has either opened the door to permanent residency or slammed it shut.
If you’re a foreign national hoping to make Canada your home through Express Entry, here’s everything you need to know about the updated STEM category: who now qualifies, what’s changed, and how to check if your job experience fits the bill.
What Is the STEM Category in Express Entry?
Canada introduced category-based Express Entry draws in 2023 to target professionals from specific sectors. The STEM category in Express Entry was designed to invite candidates with high-demand technical skills to apply for Canadian permanent residency more easily.
But as of 2025, that list has been refined to better align with Canada’s labour market needs.
Current List of Eligible STEM Occupations (as of February 2025)
Here are the 11 eligible occupations under the revised STEM category, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Electrical/electronics engineering techs & 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 |
New Job Titles Now Included in the STEM Category
If you’re wondering whether your profession now qualifies for Express Entry’s STEM category, you’re not alone. After the February 2025 update, several new occupations were added. These changes may work in your favor, especially if your job title wasn’t eligible earlier.
To make things easier, here’s a simplified list of the newly added occupations along with alternate job titles that fall under each. These examples help you cross-check whether your current or past roles align with Canada’s new immigration criteria under the STEM stream.
1. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC Code: 22300)
| Bridge Design Technician | Highway Technician |
| Building Materials Technician | Municipal Engineering Assistant |
| Construction Specifications Writer | Soil Technologist – Civil Engineering |
| Construction Technologist | Structural Design Technologist |
| Foundation Technologist | Structural Investigator |
2. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC Code: 22310)
| Communications Technologist | Electronics Manufacturing Technologist. |
| Electricity Distribution Network Technologist | Lighting Technologist |
| Electronics Design Technologist | Metering Technologist |
| Electronics Engineering Technician | Microwave Maintenance Technician |
| Electronics Engineering Technologist | Production Support Technician – Electronics Manufacturing |
| Electronics Manufacturing Technician | – |
3. Geological Engineers (NOC Code: 21331)
- Geophysical Engineer
- Hydrogeological Engineer – Engineering
4. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC Code: 22301)
| Aeronautical Technologist | Heating Designer |
| HVAC Technologist | Machine Designer |
| Marine Engineering Technologist | Mechanical Technologist |
| Mould Designer | Thermal Station Technician |
| Tool and Die Designer | Tool Designer |
5. Mechanical Engineers (NOC Code: 21301)
| Acoustics Engineer | Automotive Engineer |
| Design Engineer – Mechanical | Energy Conservation Engineer |
| Fluid Mechanics Engineer | HVAC Engineer |
| Mechanical Maintenance Engineer | Nuclear Engineer |
| Piping Engineer | Power Generation Engineer |
| Refrigeration Engineer | Robotics Engineer |
| Thermal Design Engineer | Tool Engineer |
6. Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC Code: 63100)
- Insurance Sales Representative
- Insurance Sales Supervisor
These alternate job titles provide a clearer view of who may qualify under the updated STEM category. Just because your job title doesn’t exactly match what’s listed on IRCC’s site doesn’t mean you’re out. Always compare your responsibilities with the National Occupation Classification (NOC) descriptions to be sure.
Removed Occupations: No Longer Eligible
Here are some of the occupations removed from the STEM category in 2025:
- Software developers and programmers (21232)
- Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
- Web designers/developers (21233/21234)
- Data scientists (21211)
- Architects (21200)
- Mathematicians and statisticians (21210)
If you worked in one of these occupations, you’ll now have to qualify through a general or other category-based draw.
How to Know if You Qualify for the STEM Category
To determine your eligibility, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your NOC code
- Go to the official Government of Canada NOC site.
- Enter your job title in the search bar and find the closest match based on your actual work duties.
Step 2: Match Duties, Not Just Job Titles
- Read through the job descriptions carefully.
- Ensure your actual work experience aligns with the main responsibilities outlined in the NOC.
Step 3: Confirm Duration
- You must have at least 6 months of full-time continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the past 3 years in one of the eligible STEM roles.
- Your work can be in Canada or abroad.
Step 4: Meet Base Express Entry Eligibility
You must also qualify for one of these Express Entry programs:
Alternate Job Titles You Should Know
To help you match your job to the NOC, here are some alternate job titles for newly added roles:
| Occupation | Example Job Titles |
| Mechanical Engineers | HVAC Engineer, Tool Engineer, Robotics Engineer |
| Civil Engineering Technicians | Bridge Design Technician, Structural Investigator |
| Electrical/Electronics Techs | Lighting Technologist, Electronics Design Technologist |
| Insurance Brokers | Insurance Sales Representative, Insurance Sales Supervisor |
Why STEM Draws Still Matter
In 2024, general Express Entry draws required CRS scores between 524 and 549. Even Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws stayed in the 507–547 range.
But the STEM category in Express Entry brought the cut-off down to as low as 491, helping 4,500 tech professionals receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
If your CRS score isn’t competitive for general draws, being in the right occupation could make all the difference.
Your Next Step in the STEM Pathway
Whether your job was added or removed from the list, staying informed and proactive is essential. The STEM category in Express Entry remains one of the best options for skilled professionals who want to settle in Canada, but only if you meet the latest eligibility criteria.
Check your NOC, match your duties, and review your work experience to see where you stand. You could still have a strong shot at permanent residency through a targeted, occupation-specific draw.
Need help confirming your eligibility or preparing your Express Entry profile? The experts at ImmigCanada can guide you every step of the way — from NOC verification to application support. Let’s get you closer to your Canadian dream.
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