Canada Announces Changes To Express Entry System For 2025 Immigration Applicants

The Canadian Immigration Department has announced improvements to the Express Entry program for 2025.

These changes are expected to affect skilled workers, tradespeople, and healthcare professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada.

The revised parameters, according to DAAD Scholarship, include adjustments to job offer requirements, specific eligibility criteria for certain sub-programs, and updates to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) rules.

The adjustments aim to assist Canada meet its economic and labor market needs by attracting qualified workers. The following steps will provide information on the process:

Step 1: How to Get a Valid Job Offer for Express Entry
A valid job offer is an essential need for individuals seeking Canadian permanent status. Under the updated procedure, applicants must ensure that their employment offer fits particular criteria.

These comprise the employer’s name and address, the start date, the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) number, and a written certification of job duties, remuneration, and working conditions. It is vital to understand that a work visa does not qualify as a job offer under Express Entry.

For people with open work permits, obtaining a formal, valid employment offer is required to proceed with the Express Entry application procedure.

Step 2: Sub-programs Under the New Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry scheme consists of three sub-programs with varying job offer requirements:

• 
  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Job offers must be full-time (30+ hours per week), paid, and continuing for at least one year following permanent residency. The job must fall into a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category and be offered by an employer who has completed a fresh Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Applicants with job offers from one or two employers in qualified trades (e.g., electricians, carpenters, welders) may qualify. Employers must present a valid LMIA unless the applicant’s work permit allows an exemption.
• Physicians are subject to special rules. Job offers for people who applied after April 25, 2023 do not have to be ongoing for a year. These applicants can continue to earn points through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and enhance their Express Entry score.

Step 3: Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Requirements
Most candidates must complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which verifies that no Canadian workers are available to fill the vacancy. As of 2025, candidates who do not have a valid Canadian work visa or who are working under an open work permit must ensure that their employer has obtained an LMIA.

However, LMIA criteria may be removed if the candidate has worked full-time for the business for at least one year with a valid work permit, or if the work permit is exempt from international or provincial agreements.

Step 4: Completing the employment criteria and licensing conditions
Once a valid employment offer is acquired, applicants must demonstrate their capacity to carry out the obligations of the post. They must also meet any licensing or certification criteria for the province where they intend to work. Because the rules vary by province, applicants should contact with the appropriate licensing authorities for their specialty.

Preparing for Canada’s 2025 immigration changes
The 2025 modifications to Canada’s Express Entry system are intended to streamline the immigration process for skilled workers, craftsmen, and physicians. To qualify for permanent residency, applicants must first obtain a valid job offer, then meet particular eligibility criteria and licensing requirements.

With these reforms in place, 2025 may be an attractive year for anyone considering a transfer to Canada.