Dear future neighbour,
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to introduce a new category within the Express Entry system, focusing on the education sector. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in education by facilitating the immigration of qualified professionals.
Background
In 2024, IRCC conducted public consultations to establish this new category and reviewed existing ones. The consultations indicated a need to include education-related occupations in the Express Entry draws. Subsequently, in September 2024, IRCC announced changes affecting international students’ eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), emphasizing fields of study linked to long-term labor market needs. By December 2024, programs related to early childhood education and developmental service workers were added to the list of PGWP-eligible programs, signaling the forthcoming inclusion of education occupations in Express Entry.
Expected Occupations and NOC Codes
The anticipated list of occupations under the new education category includes:
1.Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221): Educators teaching basic subjects or specialized programs in public and private schools.
2.Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220): Professionals instructing academic, technical, or vocational subjects at the secondary level.
3.Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202): Specialists planning and implementing programs for children up to 12 years old, employed in childcare centers and similar facilities.
4.Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100): Individuals supporting students and assisting educators with instructional and non-instructional tasks.
5.Educational Counsellors (NOC 41320): Advisors guiding students on educational and career planning, typically employed by educational institutions.
6.Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203): Professionals aiding individuals with disabilities in developing essential skills, working in specialized education institutes and rehabilitation centers.
These occupations were identified based on their alignment with PGWP-eligible programs and the need to address labor shortages in Canada’s education sector.
Implications for Prospective Immigrants
The introduction of the education category in Express Entry presents new opportunities for professionals in these fields to immigrate to Canada. Candidates with experience in the specified occupations are encouraged to enter the Express Entry pool promptly, as early entry may provide advantages due to the tie-breaking rule favoring earlier profiles.
Conclusion
IRCC’s addition of an education-focused category to the Express Entry system reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in critical sectors. By targeting specific occupations within education, Canada aims to attract skilled professionals essential for the country’s social and economic development.