Canada just invited 1,000 educators—and it’s only the beginning. On May 1, 2025, IRCC launched its first category-based draw for education professionals. Teachers, early-childhood educators, and aides are now part of a priority group. If your profile isn’t updated yet, you could miss your chance.In this article, you’ll learn what’s changing in Express Entry, who qualifies under the new Education category, and what steps you can take today to stay eligible and boost your chances.
In February 2025, IRCC announced a major update to its immigration system: a sixth category focused on education-related occupations. This is part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to target skilled workers who match urgent labour shortages.
On May 1, 2025, IRCC held Draw #344 and invited 1,000 education professionals with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 479. Many expected the first draw in June, so this move signals urgency, and a fast timeline for future invitations.
Express Entry no longer relies only on your CRS score. If you work in a targeted field like education, STEM, healthcare, trades, agri-food—or now, Education, you may be selected even if your score is below the usual all-program threshold. But to qualify, your Express Entry profile must already show the right work experience and credentials.
IRCC will continue running category-based draws monthly. In some cases, these will replace or reduce general draws. So if you’re a teacher, ECE, or classroom aide with Canadian experience, this could be your best shot at permanent residence in Canada this year.
To qualify for an Education draw, you need recent work experience in one of five specific occupations. These are defined by Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system—and each comes with its own skill level and job requirements.
Here’s the full list of eligible occupations:
| NOC | Job Title | TEER |
| 41220 | Secondary school teachers | TEER 1 |
| 41221 | Elementary and kindergarten teachers | TEER 1 |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants | TEER 2 |
| 42203 | Instructors for persons with disabilities | TEER 2 |
| 43100 | Teacher assistants | TEER 2 |
To qualify, you must have at least six months of continuous, full-time experience in one of these jobs—or the part-time equivalent (e.g., 780 hours), within the last 3 years. The experience must be:
If you’ve worked in education in Canada—even part-time while studying—this can help you qualify faster. It also makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), another pathway under Express Entry.
Jobs like elementary and secondary teachers are regulated. In most provinces, you’ll need to be certified by a local authority, such as:
While certification isn’t always mandatory for immigration purposes, it strengthens your profile and may be required to actually work in Canada.
Tip: If you’re not certified yet, start now, it can take several months.
If your highest degree is from outside Canada, you need a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). IRCC only accepts ECAs issued within the past five years. If yours is older, request a new one and update your Express Entry profile with the new reference number.
Even part-time work after graduation can boost your CRS score and help you qualify for both the Canadian Experience Class and the Education category. Make sure your profile includes:
Tip: Use official job titles that match the NOC code—for example, “Early Childhood Educator (NOC 42202)” instead of just “Daycare Staff.”
The CRS score can shift fast. In the first Education draw, the cut-off was 479—but it may drop in future rounds. Tools like Aïa’s CRS calculator or IRCC’s online tracker let you monitor changes and react quickly.
Here’s what to do:
While the new Education category in Express Entry is managed by IRCC at the federal level, many provinces have already been targeting teachers, early childhood educators, and classroom assistants through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Understanding both systems can help you find multiple paths to permanent residency and increase your chances of being selected.
Ontario is actively inviting Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202) through the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream and the International Student stream. This province has seen a high demand for licensed child care workers and has aligned its program with federal immigration priorities.
Why it matters: You don’t need a job offer for all OINP streams. If you studied in Ontario or gained experience as an ECE, you may be eligible. Having an Express Entry profile is optional for some streams, but it can speed up the PR process if you’re nominated.
Example: In March 2025, Ontario held a targeted draw inviting ECEs with Canadian work experience and an active profile in the Employer Job Offer stream.
BC made major changes in 2025, reducing the number of PNP draws, but Early Childhood Educators remain a provincial priority. Despite a moratorium on many occupations, ECEs may still receive invitations through special rounds, especially if they work in licensed child care centres.
Tip: BC’s points system rewards candidates with Canadian education and regional employment—especially outside Metro Vancouver.
Nova Scotia uses the Labour Market Priorities stream, which pulls candidates directly from the Express Entry pool when labour shortages arise. In the past, the province has issued invitations to:
There’s no separate application, you wait to be selected if your Express Entry profile matches the criteria. You must also have proof of recent work experience and often letters of reference.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): Alberta sometimes targets educators when local school boards declare a hiring need. Being employed in the province increases your chances under the Alberta Express Entry stream.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP): Manitoba supports education workers under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, especially if they’ve studied or worked in the province.
Saskatchewan: Through the SINP Occupations In-Demand list, Saskatchewan may also include education-related roles during updates.
Quebec does not use the Express Entry system. If you’re a teacher or ECE in Quebec, you’ll need to go through the Arrima portal or the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ). Requirements differ, especially around French proficiency and local certifications.
Bottom line: If you’re working, or planning to work, in education in Canada, explore both federal and provincial options. A nomination from a province adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, almost guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
In 2025, IRCC has paused all-program draws, focusing instead on category-based selections like education, healthcare, and French-language proficiency. This strategic shift aims to address specific labor shortages and streamline the immigration process for in-demand professions.
The inaugural Education draw on May 1, 2025, invited 1,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 479. Given the ongoing demand for educators, IRCC is likely to continue issuing invitations in this category, potentially on a monthly basis.
While the first Education draw had a cut-off of 479, future scores could vary based on the number of eligible candidates and Canada's evolving labor market needs. Staying informed about CRS trends and maintaining a competitive profile is crucial.
Regularly monitor IRCC announcements and CRS score trends. Utilize tools like Aïa’s CRS calculator to assess your profile and receive alerts about upcoming draws. Being prepared and responsive to changes can make the difference in securing an Invitation to Apply.
The launch of Canada’s Education category is a major shift in how permanent residency is granted. If you’re an educator or early childhood professional, this could be your best shot in 2025. But you need to act now.
Update your Express Entry profile with valid credentials, Canadian experience, and language test results. Check if your job title matches one of the five eligible NOC codes. And stay ready—draws can happen with little notice.
AskAïa offers a free Express Entry assessment to help you check your CRS score, confirm if you qualify for the new Education category, and track draw results in real time. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating your profile, Aïa gives you a clear plan—fast, simple, and free.