Canada Updates Express Entry Programme for 2025
The Canadian Immigration Department has introduced updates to the Express Entry programme for 2025, impacting skilled workers, tradespeople, and healthcare professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada.
The revised guidelines include changes to job offer requirements, eligibility criteria for various sub-programmes, and updates to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) rules.
For applicants pursuing Canadian permanent residency, securing a valid job offer remains crucial for qualifying for the Express Entry programme. The new rules specify that applicants must meet detailed requirements for their job offers. These include providing the employer’s name and address, the job’s start date, the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and a written confirmation of job duties, pay, and employment conditions.
A work permit alone does not qualify as a job offer for Express Entry. For those on open work permits, a formal job offer is now necessary to proceed with the application.
Key Changes by Sub-Programme:
- Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- Job offers must be full-time (30+ hours per week), paid, and continuous for at least one year after obtaining permanent residency.
- The job must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories and come from an employer with a new LMIA.
- Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP):
- Applicants must have job offers from one or two employers in eligible trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and welders.
- Employers must provide a valid LMIA, unless the applicant’s work permit is exempt.
- Physicians:
- Special rules apply. Job offers no longer need to be continuous for a year for applicants who applied after April 25, 2023. They can still earn points under FSWP and improve their Express Entry score.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Rules:
- A valid LMIA is required for most applicants, demonstrating that no Canadian worker is available for the position.
- As of 2025, applicants without a Canadian work permit or those on an open work permit must ensure their employer has secured an LMIA. However, LMIA requirements can be waived if the applicant has worked full-time for at least a year under a valid work permit or if their work permit is exempt under international or provincial agreements.
Once a valid job offer is obtained, applicants must show their ability to perform the job duties and meet licensing or certification requirements specific to the province where they plan to work.
With each province having unique rules, applicants are encouraged to consult relevant licensing authorities for their profession to ensure they meet all the criteria.
These updates aim to streamline the immigration process, ensure that Canadian workers are prioritized, and maintain a competitive workforce for Canada’s growing economy.