Mississauga’s Express Entry Scene Shifts with 2025 STEM Updates
The immigration landscape for Express Entry in Mississauga has recently undergone significant changes, particularly for applicants in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As of February 2025, key updates to the criteria have reshaped eligibility, closing doors for some while opening fresh opportunities for others.
If you’re aiming to apply through Express Entry in Mississauga, it’s crucial to understand the revised STEM criteria. In this article, we break down the eligible occupations and offer guidance on how to verify if your work experience aligns with the latest updates.
Updated Occupations in the STEM Category (2025)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the STEM list for Express Entry in Mississauga earlier this year. The new list now includes 11 qualifying occupations, with several older roles being removed and six new ones added.
Current STEM Occupations for 2025:
| 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 updated categories allow Express Entry in Mississauga to match candidates with relevant labor market needs more efficiently.
How to Confirm Eligibility for STEM Draws
Applicants utilizing Express Entry in Mississauga should ensure that their job experience matches the updated STEM list. Here’s how to check:
- Identify the Right NOC Code
Use the Government of Canada’s NOC website to search for your job title. Find the NOC code that most closely aligns with your role. - Compare Role Responsibilities
Visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) portal to verify that your duties match those listed for your NOC code. - Check STEM List Inclusion
Confirm that your NOC code is listed as part of the STEM occupations under Express Entry in Mississauga.
Recently Added STEM Occupations and Sample Titles
Several roles have been added to the list in 2025, offering new pathways for applicants in various engineering and technical fields. Here are some newly added positions:
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22300)
Examples: Bridge design technician, Highway technician, Structural investigator - Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22310)
Examples: Electronics design technologist, Metering technologist, Production support technician - Geological Engineers (21331)
Examples: Geophysical engineer, Hydrogeological engineer - Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (22301)
Examples: HVAC technologist, Marine engineering technologist, Tool and die designer - Mechanical Engineers (21301)
Examples: Robotics engineer, Nuclear engineer, Refrigeration engineer - Insurance Agents and Brokers (63100)
Examples: Insurance sales supervisor, Insurance representative
These newly added roles are now eligible for selection under Express Entry in Mississauga, enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation.
Removed STEM Roles for 2025
Some roles are no longer eligible for STEM-specific draws as of 2025:
- Architects (21200)
- Software developers (21232)
- Web developers (21234)
- Database analysts (21223)
- Urban planners (21202)
If your profile included one of these roles, it’s time to reassess your strategy for Express Entry in Mississauga.
Why STEM Categories Are Important for Express Entry in Mississauga
Category-specific draws under Express Entry in Mississauga are designed to address local workforce gaps. STEM occupations are often prioritized, giving qualified applicants a better chance at selection.
In 2024, general draws required a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score as high as 549. However, the cut-off for STEM-specific rounds was 491, allowing 4,500 applicants to receive invitations based on their occupation alone.
By aligning with targeted categories such as STEM, you strategically increase your visibility, even if your CRS score isn’t the highest. It’s not just about qualifications; it’s about timing and matching Canada’s current labor market needs. When your occupation is part of a focused draw, the chances of selection are much greater, with fewer competitors and stronger odds of success.
Tips to Boost Your Express Entry in Mississauga Profile
- Track Policy Updates
Immigration policies are subject to change. Stay updated on which jobs qualify under Express Entry in Mississauga. - Gather Strong Documentation
Ensure your job letters and descriptions accurately match the NOC details. - Enhance Your CRS Score
Improve your language proficiency scores, get an educational credential assessment, or pursue provincial nominations to boost your profile. - Consult with an Immigration Advisor
A professional immigration consultant can help guide you through the process and keep you informed of any changes. - Look for Provincial Nomination Opportunities
Mississauga is part of Ontario, which operates its own immigration streams through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates with qualifying STEM occupations may receive targeted invitations, which can add 600 CRS points to their Express Entry profile. - Be Transparent and Accurate
Misrepresenting your job duties or role to match a particular NOC code can result in a refusal or ban. Always ensure your information is consistent with your documentation.
Moving Forward with Express Entry in Mississauga
As federal immigration programs evolve, it’s crucial to stay aligned with the current STEM categories. For professionals in engineering, technology, insurance, and environmental science, this update is a vital opportunity.
Mississauga, located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), has a high demand for skilled workers in various industries. By being part of a recognized occupation in the STEM draw, your application gains added weight, improving your chances of selection.
By keeping your Express Entry profile updated and aligned with the latest criteria, you can remain competitive in a more focused and strategic immigration system. Every update to the occupation list can be an opportunity to gain an edge in this evolving landscape. Stay informed, stay aligned, and increase your chances of success with Express Entry in Mississauga.
