New Express Entry Category for Educators: Are You Eligible?

Under the Express Entry system, Canada has developed a unique immigration route specifically for foreign-trained teachers. Through focused draws, this category-based selection allows professionals such as early childhood educators, schoolteachers, and other education experts to qualify for Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Introduction of the Education Category in Express Entry

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added an education-based category to the Express Entry system on February 27, 2025. For PR in 2025, this group comes first for invites to apply (ITA).

Since their launch in 2023, category-based draws have proven to be a favourable option for qualified candidates due to their often-lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off compared to general Express Entry draws.

Occupations Included in the Education Category

Canada groups professions by sector and industry under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Based on necessary credentials and experience, the NOC system rates each occupation's Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER).

The following are qualified jobs falling within the education category:

Eligibility Criteria for the Education Category

To qualify under this category, foreign nationals must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile.
• Possess at least six months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) within the last three years in one of the eligible education-related occupations.
• Ensure their work experience corresponds to an eligible NOC code.

How to Identify the Correct NOC Code for Your Work Experience

Although the NOC system is extensive, the Government of Canada offers tools to enable applicants to locate the relevant code. Use these guidelines to ensure the NOC code is most appropriate for your work experience:

1. Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC webpage.
2. Use the search bar to enter your job title or a close alternative.
3. Copy the corresponding NOC code and TEER level.
4. Verify the duties listed under this code on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website.
5. Compare these duties with your professional responsibilities to confirm alignment.

If the education category includes your occupation, you probably qualify for this pathway.

Alternate Job Titles for Eligible Occupations

Below are some common alternative job titles for the eligible occupations:

• Elementary and secondary schools Teacher Assistants: Educational assistant, special education assistant.
• Instructors of Persons with Disabilities: Braille instructor, sign language instructor, and teacher for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants: Daycare workers, early childhood assistants, preschool supervisors.
• Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers: Kindergarten teacher, primary school teacher, remedial teacher.
• Secondary School Teachers: ESL teacher, high school commerce teacher, vocational teacher.

How Education Category-Based Drawings Work

Express Entry manages three main immigration programs: CEC, FSWP, and FSTP. To enter the pool, candidates must qualify for one of these programs and receive a CRS score, which determines their ranking.

Draws occur every two weeks and fall into four types:

• General draws (open to all candidates)
• Program-specific draws (targeting one Express Entry program)
• PNP draws (for provincially nominated candidates)
• Category-based draws (focused on specific occupations like education)

Category-based draws often have lower CRS cut-offs, improving selection chances for eligible candidates.

Steps to Apply for the Education Category in Express Entry

1. Create an Express Entry profile, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs.
2. Include relevant work experience in an eligible education-related occupation in your profile.
3. Enter the Express Entry pool and wait for a category-based draw.
4. Receive an ITA, provided you meet the CRS score cut-off and other draw conditions.
5. Submit a complete PR application to IRCC within 60 days of receiving the ITA.

Conclusion

The addition of the education category to Express Entry offers foreign-trained teachers and educators a fantastic chance to get Canadian permanent residency. Qualified individuals can increase their chances of getting an ITA through category-based draws by making sure their job experience fits an acceptable occupation and entering the Express Entry pool.

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