Canada has introduced a new pathway for foreign-trained educators to apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. If you’re a schoolteacher, early childhood educator, or work in a related field, this could be your chance to move to Canada. On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added a new category-based draw specifically for education occupations. This category is now a priority for PR invitations in 2025.
Category-based draws under Express Entry have consistently featured lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements compared to other draw types. This makes it an excellent opportunity for educators aiming to settle in Canada.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Express Entry education category, including:
- Which occupations are eligible under this category;
- How to determine if your work experience qualifies; and
- How the education category-based draws work.
Let’s dive in!
Which Occupations Are Included in the Express Entry Education Category?
Canada organizes occupations using the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Each occupation is assigned a NOC code and a Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level. TEER levels range from 0 to 5, with TEER 0 requiring the highest level of training and education, and TEER 5 requiring the least.
The new Express Entry education category includes the following occupations:
| Job Title | NOC Code | TEER Level |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | 1 |
These occupations cover a wide range of roles, from teaching assistants to specialized instructors for individuals with disabilities. If your job falls under one of these NOC codes, you may be eligible for the Express Entry education category.
How to Determine If Your Work Experience Qualifies for the Education Category
To be eligible for the Express Entry education category, you must meet two key requirements:
- Valid Express Entry Profile: You must have an active Express Entry profile.
- Work Experience: You must have at least six months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in one of the eligible education occupations within the last three years.
To confirm your eligibility, you’ll need to find the NOC code that matches your work experience. Here’s how you can do that:
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your NOC Code
- Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC page.
- Scroll to the table at the bottom of the page and type your job title into the “Filter items” field.
- If your exact job title isn’t listed, try entering a similar title. For example, if you’re a “speech coach,” try searching for “speech pathologist.”
- Once you find a close match, note the TEER level and NOC code.
- To confirm the NOC code, visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website and search for the NOC code you found.
- Review the “main duties” section to ensure they align with your work experience. If they do, you’ve found the correct NOC code.
If your NOC code matches one of the eligible education occupations, you’re likely eligible for the Express Entry education category.
Example Job Titles for Eligible Education Occupations
Here’s a list of example job titles for each eligible occupation:
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants:
Educational assistant, special education assistant, remedial education aide, homework assistant. - Instructors of Persons with Disabilities:
Braille instructor, sign language instructor, teacher for persons with intellectual disabilities, orientation and mobility instructor. - Early Childhood Educators and Assistants:
Daycare worker, preschool supervisor, early childhood educator (ECE), child care worker assistant. - Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers:
Kindergarten teacher, primary school teacher, special education teacher, French immersion teacher. - Secondary School Teachers:
High school teacher, biology teacher, vocational teacher, special education teacher.
This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to check the ESDC website for a complete list of duties and exclusions for each occupation.
How Do Education Category-Based Draws Work?
The Express Entry system manages three immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC);
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); and
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
To be considered for any Express Entry draw, including category-based draws, you must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of these programs. When you create your Express Entry profile, you’ll receive a CRS score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Express Entry draws happen approximately every two weeks. These draws can be:
- Program-specific: Targeting candidates from one of the three programs.
- General: Open to all Express Entry candidates.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-based: For candidates nominated by a Canadian province.
- Category-based: Focused on specific occupations, like the new education category.
Category-based draws often have lower CRS score requirements because they target a smaller pool of candidates. If you’re eligible for the education category, you’ll be considered for these draws as long as your Express Entry profile is active.
Steps to Apply for PR Through the Express Entry Education Category
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs.
- Include Eligible Work Experience: Add your work experience under one of the eligible education occupations in your profile.
- Enter the Express Entry Pool: Once your profile is accepted, you’ll be in the pool for all relevant draws.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the CRS score cut-off and other draw conditions, you’ll receive an ITA.
- Submit Your PR Application: You’ll have 60 days to submit a complete PR application to IRCC.
Why Choose the Express Entry Education Category?
The education category offers a unique opportunity for foreign-trained educators to immigrate to Canada. With lower CRS score requirements and a clear pathway to PR, this category is ideal for teachers, early childhood educators, and other education professionals.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help with your application, consider scheduling a Book your express entry consultation with an The immigration professional.
