Express Entry 2025: Key Program Differences & Major Changes Explained

The Express Entry system remains one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residence in Canada. However, with the upcoming changes in 2025, it's crucial to stay informed about how they might affect your application.

Understanding Express Entry: Key Differences Among the Three Programs

Express Entry manages three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Each program has different eligibility requirements based on language proficiency, work experience, job offers, and occupation levels.

1. Language Requirements

Language proficiency is a crucial factor for eligibility. Here’s how the programs compare:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Requires a minimum CLB 7 in all four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). This translates to IELTS 6.0, CELPIP 7, or TEF Canada equivalents.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

  • TEER 0 or 1 occupations: CLB 7 (same as FSWP).

  • TEER 2 or 3 occupations: CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0, CELPIP 5, TEF Canada equivalents).

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

  • Speaking & Listening: CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0, CELPIP 5).

  • Reading & Writing: CLB 4 (IELTS 4.0, CELPIP 4).

2. Work Experience Requirements

Each program has different requirements in terms of duration, location, and job type:

• FSWP: At least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last 10 years (can be inside or outside Canada).

• CEC: One year of work experience in Canada within the last three years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (self-employment doesn’t count).

• FSTP: Requires two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. This experience can be gained anywhere, but a valid job offer or a Canadian trade certification is required.

3. Job Offer Requirements

While job offers are not mandatory for all programs, they can impact eligibility and ranking:

• FSWP: A job offer is optional but can help meet the 67-point selection grid.

• FSTP: A job offer (or a Certificate of Qualification) is required for eligibility.

• PNP (Provincial Nominee Program – Express Entry Aligned): Some PNPs require a job offer for eligibility, depending on the province.

4. Occupation Requirements

Your occupation must fall within specific NOC categories:

• FSWP & CEC: Any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation is eligible.

• FSTP: Only skilled trades under specific NOC groups (e.g., construction, maintenance, manufacturing) qualify.

Major Changes Coming to Express Entry in 2025

1. Changes to CRS Points for Job Offers

On December 23, 2024, IRCC announced a temporary measure to reduce fraud related to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and job offers. Effective March 25, 2025, CRS points for arranged employment will be removed.

This means:

• No additional CRS points for job offers after March 25, 2025.

• Current CRS points for job offers will be deducted.

• Eligibility for Express Entry remains unchanged.

If you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before this date, your CRS points won’t be affected. However, job offers still play a role in FSWP selection criteria, FSTP eligibility, and PNP streams.

Does This Affect Eligibility for Express Entry Programs?

Not always. While CRS points for job offers are being removed, job offers remain an eligibility requirement for the following programs:

• FSWP: Job offers still count toward the 67-point selection grid.

• FSTP: You still need a valid job offer (or trade certificate) to apply.

• PNP: Provinces can still require a job offer for eligibility under certain streams.

2. Category-Based Selections Under Express Entry

Another major change is category-based selection under Express Entry. Canada’s immigration system is adapting to labor market needs, ensuring key sectors attract skilled talent.

On February 27, 2025, IRCC announced new Express Entry categories for the year. These categories prioritize candidates with experience in high-demand fields, making it easier for them to qualify for invitations. Express Entry category-based selection will focus on candidates with expertise in the following areas:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services occupations

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations

• Trade occupations

• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

• Education occupations

If you want to know how these changes affect your eligibility, check out our detailed breakdown in this blog.

Need expert guidance on your Express Entry application? Contact us today or book a consultation to get started!