Are You Eligible for Express Entry’s New Education Category?

The Canadian immigration system has introduced a new opportunity for foreign-trained schoolteachers, early childhood educators, and other education professionals seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the Express Entry system by adding a category-based selection specifically for education occupations, providing qualified candidates with a streamlined pathway to PR.

On February 27, 2025, IRCC officially identified the education sector as a priority category for Express Entry invitations to apply (ITA) for PR. This means that eligible professionals in education now have a higher chance of receiving an ITA through category-based draws, which have historically had the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements since their introduction in 2023.

In this article, we will cover:

• The occupations included in the new education category
• How to determine whether your work experience qualifies
• How Express Entry category-based draws function

Which Occupations Fall Under the Education Category?

Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used to classify occupations based on industry and sector. Each occupation is assigned a Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) ranking, ranging from TEER 0 (highest level of education and experience required) to TEER 5 (least amount of training needed).

The following occupations are now eligible under the Express Entry education category:

How to Determine If Your Work Experience Qualifies?

To be eligible under this category, candidates must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile.
• Possess at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the last three years in a single category-eligible occupation.
• Ensure their work experience aligns with one of the NOC codes listed above.

Finding the Right NOC Code for Your Work Experience

Since the NOC system covers a wide range of job titles, identifying the correct classification for your work experience can be challenging. The Government of Canada provides an online NOC database to assist applicants. To find your NOC code:

1. Visit the Government of Canada’s NOC webpage.
2. Use the “Filter items” search field at the bottom of the page to enter your job title.
3. If your job title is not listed, try similar job titles. For example, a “speech coach” might search for “speech pathologist.”
4. Copy the TEER level and NOC code that best match your work experience.
5. Verify the details on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) webpage by entering the NOC code.
6. Ensure that your main job duties align with the description provided under the corresponding NOC category.

If your job responsibilities match the NOC description and are included in the education category list, you are likely eligible to apply under this new Express Entry stream.

Alternate Job Titles Under the Education Category

Below is a list of alternative job titles that fall under each eligible occupation:

Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)

• Educational assistant
• Special education assistant
• Remedial education aide

Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203)

• Braille instructor
• Sign language instructor
• Instructor for persons with intellectual disabilities

Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202)

• Daycare worker
• Preschool supervisor
• Early childhood educator (ECE)

Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221)

• Kindergarten teacher
• French immersion teacher (elementary)
• Special education teacher (elementary)

Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220)

• ESL high school teacher
• Secondary school department head
• Special education teacher (secondary)

This list is not exhaustive. For more details, refer to ESDC’s official job descriptions and main duties for each category.

How Express Entry Category-Based Draws Work

Canada’s Express Entry system manages three key immigration programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

To qualify, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of these programs. Upon profile submission, a CRS score is assigned based on factors like work experience, education, language proficiency, and age.

Types of Express Entry Draws

• General Draws: Invite candidates from all three Express Entry programs.
• Program-Specific Draws: Target specific programs such as CEC or FSTP.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws: Invite candidates nominated by Canadian provinces.
• Category-Based Draws: Select candidates from a specific occupational category (e.g., education professionals).

Since category-based draws focus on a limited pool of applicants, the CRS cut-off scores tend to be lower than other draw types, increasing the chances for eligible candidates to receive an ITA.

What Happens After Receiving an ITA?

Candidates who receive an ITA must submit a complete PR application to IRCC within 60 days. This includes providing supporting documents such as proof of work experience, education credentials, and language test results.

Why Choose SWEC for Your Express Entry Process?

Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex, but SWEC’s expert immigration consultants make the process seamless. From assessing your eligibility to preparing your Express Entry profile and ensuring your application meets all requirements, SWEC provides end-to-end support. Our team specializes in securing Canadian PR for education professionals through the latest immigration pathways.

Final Thoughts

With the introduction of the education category under Express Entry, Canada is offering a golden opportunity for foreign-trained teachers and education professionals to achieve permanent residency. If you meet the eligibility criteria, now is the perfect time to begin your Express Entry journey. Contact SWEC today to maximize your chances of success in securing Canadian PR through this exclusive category-based selection!