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Tag Archives: Education

January 8, 2025

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.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com
November 11, 2024
November 11, 2024

Dear future neighbour,

On November 8, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that it is ending the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program created to speed up the visa application process for international students from certain countries. Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed to help students from countries like China, India, and the Philippines get their study permits more quickly and easily.

To meet the high demand from Nigerian students, Canada created the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program, offering a faster way for Nigerian applicants to get study permits. Since its launch, the NSE has helped many Nigerian students pursue education in Canada. However, as of November 8, 2024, new Nigerian applicants must now apply through the regular study permit process, like students from other countries.

The decision to close the program has worried many international students who depend on its fast processing for studying in Canada. The government says the closure is part of a larger effort to improve Canada’s immigration system and better manage resources amid changing global conditions.

The SDS will no longer be available to new applicants starting in November 2024, but the government is offering other ways to apply for study permits. While the exact reasons for the closure aren’t clear, it’s believed that higher application numbers, the need for better processing, and changes in immigration priorities played a role.

This change is a major shift in Canada’s student immigration policy. International students who were eligible for SDS will now have to use the regular study permit process, which could take longer. However, the Canadian government says it’s working on other ways to support international students, like improving processing times and increasing funding for schools.

Require assistance with securing a visitor visa for Canada, seeking professional aid in submitting a visa or work permit application, crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application post receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com