Navigating the New STEM Pathway Through Express Entry in London in 2025

Express Entry in London

The immigration pathway under Express Entry in London, ON has recently experienced significant changes, especially within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) category. As of February 2025, some applicants may find themselves no longer eligible under this category, while others might discover new opportunities opened through recent updates.

If you're planning to apply through Express Entry in London, ON, understanding the revised STEM criteria is key to navigating the process. Below, we’ll outline the eligible occupations and explain how to check if your work history matches the updated qualifications.

Updated Occupations in the STEM Category (2025)

Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made adjustments to the STEM list under Express Entry in London, ON. The updated list now contains 11 approved occupations. Some previously listed roles were removed, while six new ones were introduced.

The following occupations are currently included in the 2025 STEM category:

Occupation	NOC Code
Architecture and science managers	20011
Civil engineering technologists and technicians	22300
Civil Engineers	21300
Cybersecurity specialists	21220
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	22310
Electrical and electronics engineers	21310
Geological Engineers	21331
Industrial and manufacturing engineers	21321
Insurance agents and brokers	63100
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	22301
Mechanical Engineers	21301

These categories help streamline Express Entry, enabling the government to select candidates with skills relevant to the labor market.

Determining Eligibility for STEM Draws

Applicants interested in Express Entry must ensure their work experience aligns with the job duties and classifications listed under the current STEM category.

To evaluate if your work experience qualifies:

Step 1: Find the Matching NOC Code

Visit the official Government of Canada’s NOC website and use keywords related to your job title in the search function. If your role isn’t listed, try variations or broader terms. Once found, note the NOC code that closely aligns with your position.

Step 2: Validate Role and Duties

Cross-reference the NOC code on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) portal. You’ll find example job titles and detailed descriptions for each role. Compare these with your own responsibilities. Your experience should match most of the main duties listed under the NOC for it to be considered valid.

Step 3: Confirm STEM Eligibility

Check if your verified NOC code is part of the current STEM list used under Express Entry in London, ON. If so, you may be eligible for a targeted draw based on this occupation.

New Additions to the STEM List and Related Titles

Here are some of the roles recently added to the STEM category, along with example job titles:

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22300)

• Bridge design technician
• Highway technician
• Structural investigator

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22310)

• Electronics design technologist
• Metering technologist
• Production support technician

Geological Engineers (21331)

• Geophysical engineer
• Hydrogeological engineer

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22301)

• HVAC technologist
• Marine engineering technologist
• Tool and die designer

Mechanical Engineers (21301)

• Robotics engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Refrigeration engineer

Insurance Agents and Brokers (63100)

• Insurance sales supervisor
• Insurance representative

These roles are relevant for those applying under Express Entry in London, ON and can increase the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Roles Removed from the STEM List in 2025

Some occupations that were previously eligible for STEM-specific draws are no longer recognized under the revised criteria. This includes positions such as:

• Architects (21200)
• Software developers (21232)
• Web developers (21234)
• Database analysts (21223)
• Urban planners (21202)

If you were relying on one of these occupations for your Express Entry in London, ON profile, you’ll need to reassess your eligibility or consider other pathways.

Why STEM Categories Matter for Express Entry

Express Entry in London, ON uses category-specific draws to target applicants who meet Canada’s economic and workforce needs. STEM-related occupations fall under one such category, giving candidates a potential advantage.

When you qualify for one of these draws, you're competing within a smaller, occupation-specific pool. As a result, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores are often lower than those seen in general or Canadian Experience Class draws.

For example, while general draws in 2024 had CRS cut-offs as high as 549, the STEM-focused draw had a cut-off of just 491. This allowed 4,500 candidates to receive invitations based solely on their occupational alignment, even if their CRS scores weren't high enough for other draw types.

This is why it’s worth paying close attention to changes affecting Express Entry in London, ON. Being in a targeted occupation can open doors, even if your CRS score is below the national average.

How to Improve Your Chances Through Express Entry in London, ON

1. Stay Informed About Updates
   Changes to occupation lists can happen with little notice. Monitoring these updates helps you adjust your strategy accordingly.
2. Ensure Your Documents Are in Order
   Proof of your work experience, including job descriptions, letters from employers, and official documentation, should be ready and aligned with the NOC duties.
3. Recalculate Your CRS Score
   Even if your occupation is eligible under the STEM category, your CRS score still matters. Try boosting it with language proficiency tests, educational credential assessments, or provincial nominations.
4. Consult the NOC Page Regularly
   Verifying your occupation's alignment with NOC descriptions remains essential. This step alone determines if you're validly entering the Express Entry pool under the right category.

Final Thought on Express Entry

As the Canadian government continues to evolve its immigration policies, adapting your application strategy to reflect current categories is important. For those involved in fields like engineering, electronics, insurance, or environmental sciences, the revised STEM list presents a significant opportunity.

Staying up to date with Express Entry in London, ON not only helps maintain eligibility but also increases your visibility in a more focused draw system. It’s one of the more strategic ways to pursue permanent residence and settle in a growing and dynamic city like London, Ontario.