Canada needs teachers, cooks, rejects drivers, lukewarm on engineers
The transport sector, previously one of the priority categories, has been removed entirely. This means professions such as truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and airline pilots will no longer receive targeted invitations under the skilled immigration system.
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The system prioritises candidates in key sectors, including health care, STEM professions, trades, and agriculture, alongside those with strong French language proficiency.
(File Photo)Canada has updated its list of priority occupations for skilled immigration in 2025, adding teachers’ assistants, early childhood educators, and cooks while removing the entire transport sector and several STEM-related occupations.
The Immigration Department introduced the “category-based selection” system in June 2023 to align skilled immigration with Canada’s labour market needs. The system prioritises candidates in key sectors, including health care, STEM professions, trades, and agriculture, alongside those with strong French language proficiency.
With the latest changes, the education sector has been added, covering roles such as kindergarten, elementary and secondary teachers’ assistants, teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities. The health care category has also been expanded to include more social services roles and various technologist and technician jobs.
Meanwhile, under the STEM category, several professions are no longer considered a priority, including architects, computer and information systems managers, software engineers and developers, and data scientists. However, insurance agents and brokers have been added. In the trades category, cooks are now included.
The transport sector, previously one of the priority categories, has been removed entirely. This means professions such as truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and airline pilots will no longer receive targeted invitations under the skilled immigration system.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Canada’s selection system must adapt to the country’s evolving needs.
“We are building a more dynamic workforce with workers and professionals from in-demand fields,” Miller said. “Our approach ensures immigration remains a key driver of Canada’s growth, helping businesses thrive while supporting communities across the country.”
The Immigration Department also said that in 2025, the federal economic immigration program will prioritise candidates with experience working in Canada.
“These priorities maintain the focus on bringing in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and contribute to Canada’s future, including by transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residence,” the press release stated.
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