Canada Restructures Express Entry: Tech Occupations Dropped from STEM List

In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a major overhaul of the Express Entry system, removing 19 key tech-related occupations from the STEM category. This decision alters the immigration landscape for thousands of professionals, raising important questions about Canada’s labor market priorities and long-term immigration trends.

While these changes may limit direct PR pathways for many tech professionals, they also create new opportunities for other sectors. Below, we break down who benefits, who faces new challenges, and what affected workers can do to future-proof their immigration plans.

Who Are the Losers? Tech Workers and Express Entry Candidates

The most immediate impact of this policy shift falls on foreign tech professionals hoping to immigrate through Express Entry’s STEM category. The following 19 occupations have been removed, meaning candidates in these roles will no longer receive category-based invitations:

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
• Computer engineers (NOC 21311)
• Data scientists (NOC 21211)
• Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)
• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)
• Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 21210)
• Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)
• Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)
• Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
• Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)
• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)
• Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322)
• Architects (NOC 21200)
• Landscape architects (NOC 21201)
• Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202)
• Land surveyors (NOC 21203)
• Natural and applied science policy researchers (NOC 41400)
• Web designers (NOC 21233)
• Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)

For tech professionals who were relying on Express Entry’s STEM category as their primary pathway, this change increases competition and lowers their chances of being invited without additional factors such as job offers or provincial nominations.

Who Are the Winners? Healthcare, Trades, and Engineering Sectors

While the tech sector faces new hurdles, other professions gain a significant advantage under these Express Entry adjustments. IRCC has added six new occupations to the STEM category:

• Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300)
• Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310)
• Geological engineers (NOC 21331)
• Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301)
• Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301)
• Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100)

Beyond STEM, healthcare, skilled trades, and education-related occupations continue to receive prioritizationunder Express Entry’s category-based invitations. This signals a shift in Canada’s labor market focus, prioritizing industries facing severe worker shortages.

What’s driving this shift?

• Labor shortages: Canada’s tech sector, while growing, is not experiencing the same labor crisis as healthcare, trades, and engineering.
• Economic adjustments: With rising layoffs in tech, the government may believe demand for foreign talent in this field is declining.
• Political considerations: The government often tailors immigration policies to match employer demands and public concerns over economic stability.

Future-Proofing Your Immigration Strategy: What Tech Professionals Should Do Next

If you’re a tech professional impacted by these changes, this doesn’t mean your immigration journey is over. You can still strategically adjust your approach to improve your chances of securing permanent residency.

1. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many provinces have tech-focused PNPs that operate independently of Express Entry’s STEM category. Programs such as:

• Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream
• British Columbia’s Tech Stream
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Saskatchewan Tech Talent Pathway

These remain viable options for tech professionals, even if Express Entry no longer prioritizes them.

2. Secure a Job Offer to Boost CRS Scores

While category-based invitations no longer favor many tech occupations, Express Entry still works on a points-based system (CRS). A valid job offer can provide 50–200 additional CRS points, significantly improving your selection chances.

3. Consider Work Permits That Lead to PR

Rather than relying on Express Entry alone, many tech professionals can still come to Canada through work permits like:

• Global Talent Stream (GTS): Fast-tracked work permits for high-demand tech jobs.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): If working for a multinational, this allows relocation to Canada.
• LMIA-based Work Permits: Canadian employers can sponsor foreign workers for specific roles.

Once in Canada, workers can later apply for PR through pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

4. Explore Career Flexibility

For those who have overlapping skill sets, transitioning into an in-demand field could be an option. For example:

• Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) and civil technologists (NOC 22300) remain in STEM
• AI specialists and cybersecurity professionals may still qualify under certain PNPs

5. Stay Updated and Be Ready for Future Changes

Express Entry has changed significantly over the years, and these removals may not be permanent. Immigration policies often evolve based on political and economic needs. Those who remain adaptable and proactive with their immigration strategies will have the best chances of success.

Canada’s Immigration Priorities Are Evolving

While these Express Entry changes may seem like a setback for tech professionals, they underscore the importance of having a diversified immigration strategy.

• If you’re a tech worker, look beyond Express Entry—PNPs, job offers, and work permits still offer strong pathways.
• If you’re in healthcare, skilled trades, or engineering, this could be the best time to apply.
• Stay informed, as Express Entry may continue evolving in response to labor market needs.

For those unsure about their next steps, professional guidance can help navigate these shifting policies and ensure the best possible immigration outcome. Schedule a consultation here!