Canada's Education Express Entry Draws: A Fast-Track Route For Teaching Professionals in 2025!

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced the Education category-based draws under Express Entry, creating a targeted immigration pathway for skilled professionals in the education sector.

Launched in 2025, the Education category-based draws aim to address labour shortages by prioritizing candidates with experience in five key educational occupations.

For educators aspiring to move to Canada, this category provides a streamlined pathway through Express Entry. By focusing on key occupations, this initiative allows eligible candidates to qualify with a potentially lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score compared to general draws, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

As of now, the first draw under the newly introduced Education category in Express Entry has not yet taken place. Stay updated with IRCC announcements to track when the inaugural draw will occur.

Various Types of Express Entry Draws

Express Entry is a system used by IRCC to manage applications for permanent residency. It involves a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates.

IRCC conducts three main types of Express Entry draws:

1. General rounds: The draw invites top-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool who are eligible for one of the three main programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
2. Program-specific rounds: These rounds target candidates eligible for specific programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program or one of the three main Express Entry programs (FSW/CEC/FST).
3. Category-based rounds: Introduced in 2023, these draws focus on candidates with specific skills, training, or language proficiencies. The current categories include French language proficiency, healthcare, trade, education, STEM, and agriculture and agri-food.

As of 2025, the current Express Entry categories for category-based draws are:

• French Language Proficiency
• Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
• Trade Occupations
• Education Occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations

IRCC removed the Transport category from the list for 2025.

What are the Eligibility for Education Category Draws?

To qualify for the Education category under the category-based Express Entry draw, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Qualify for a Main Program: Be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs.
• Meet Round Requirements: Achieve the required CRS cut-off score and follow tiebreaker rules for the specific draw.
• Have Relevant Work Experience: At least six months of full-time continuous work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in an eligible education occupation within the last three years.
• Meet Additional Requirements: Fulfill any other specific requirements for the Education Category, including any additional documentation or qualifications required for the Education Category.

Following the criteria as mentioned above, you can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the Education Category in a category-based Express Entry draw.

Which Occupations are Eligible for Education Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

In February 2025, IRCC introduced the Education Category within the Express entry system. The category targets specific education-related occupations, making professionals in these roles eligible for category-based selection draws.

The occupations included in the list are the following:

How to Apply for Education Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

To apply for an Education-specific Express Entry draw, follow these steps carefully:

Eligibility and Profile Creation

• Program Eligibility: Ensure you qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades programs.
• Profile Submission: Create your profile with details into the Express Entry pool, including education, work experience, and language test results.

Self-check Your CRS Score

• CRS Calculation: Your score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• CRS Calculator Tools: Use online tools to calculate and improve your score. A higher CRS score improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Meet the Education Category Criteria

• Work Experience: Ensure you have at least six months of relevant work experience within the last three years in an eligible education occupation.
• Category Eligibility: Your profile will be flagged if you meet the education category criteria.

Receive ITA from IRCC

• General and Category Ranking: Your CRS score will be ranked both generally and within the education category.
• Receiving an Invitation: If your score meets the cut-off during an Express entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Education-specific draws, like general draws, have a CRS cut-off.
• If your score is below the cut-off, you have to work on improving your CRS for future draws.

Complete the Application Process

• Application Submission: Once you receive an ITA, submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days.
• Required Documents: Include reference letters, police clearance certificates, and medical exam results.

What if You Are Not Invited to an Express Entry Draw?

If you do not receive an ITA, consider improving your CRS score by: 

• Improving Language Proficiency: Enhance your language skills in English or French to boost your CRS score.
• Gaining More Work Experience: Additional work experience can significantly boost your CRS points.
• Pursuing Further Education: Pursue a higher degree or certification or further education to improve your education points.
• Considering a Provincial Nomination: Consider applying for a provincial nomination. If successful, it can significantly increase your CRS score and eligibility for program-specific draws.

Visit the IRCC website for the latest updates on Education-specific draws. Keep reading our blogs to stay informed, and follow us for expert guidance throughout your immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is my CRS score important if I am working in the education sector?
   Yes, your CRS score is crucial for receiving an ITA. A higher score improves your chances of receiving an ITA in an Education-specific draw.
2. How often will IRCC hold Education-specific draws?
   IRCC does not have a fixed schedule for Education-specific draws. These draws are conducted based on labour market needs and immigration targets.
3. What occupations are eligible for Education-specific draws?
   Eligible occupations include elementary and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, instructors of persons with disabilities and elementary and secondary school teacher assistants.
4. Does my primary occupation need to be in Education to be selected?
   No, you need at least six months of experience in an eligible Education occupation within the past three years.
5. What documents are required for teachers applying through the Education category?
   Teachers need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), language test results, proof of work experience, and other supporting documents.
6. When will I receive an ITA for an Education-specific draw?
   IRCC conducts draws regularly, but there is no fixed timeline. Your ITA depends on your CRS score and when an Education-specific draw takes place.
7. Can my spouse's eligibility help my Express Entry profile?
   No, the principal applicant must meet the criteria. Your spouse should create their own profile.
8. How do category-based draws benefit teachers?
   These draws prioritize teachers with specific skills, allowing them to receive invitations even if their CRS score is not the highest, which can speed up the process of obtaining permanent residency.
9. What language test do I need as an Indian teacher for Express Entry?
   You must take IELTS (English) or TEF (French). A higher score improves your CRS and chances of receiving an ITA.
10. As a teacher in India, how can I ensure my qualifications are recognized in Canada?
    Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized agency.
11. Can I apply for an Education-specific draw if I am not in Canada?
    Yes, you can apply from anywhere as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

For personalized guidance on your Canadian immigration journey as a teacher, contact ImmiLaw Global. We specialize in assisting teachers with Express Entry, providing expert advice and support throughout the process. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you navigate every step.

Let us guide you through your Canadian immigration journey as a teacher. Contact us to book your free consultation with us.

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