Canada’s New Express Entry Education Category: A Pathway to PR for Education Professionals
A Pathway to PR for Education Professionals in 2025
Canada has introduced an exciting opportunity for skilled professionals in the education sector through its latest Express Entry stream. With the launch of a new Education category-based draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is actively targeting teachers and education support workers for Canadian permanent residency (PR).
What Is the Education Category in Express Entry?
The Education category is part of IRCC’s category-based selection draws, which aim to address key labour shortages by targeting specific professions. Announced in February 2025, it invites candidates with relevant experience in approved education-related occupations.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Have at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a single eligible education occupation.
- Have obtained this work experience within the last three years.
- Meet general Express Entry requirements (such as age, education, language ability, and other factors).
This category complements other existing category-based draws, such as those for healthcare, trades, agriculture, transport, and French proficiency.
First Education Category Draw: A Glimpse Into the Process
The first draw for this new category took place recently, where 1,000 ITAs were issued to eligible education professionals. The cut-off Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 479, which set a competitive bar for applicants.
Who Qualifies? Sample Profiles of Successful Candidates
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Here’s how to verify DLI status:
1. Recent Graduate Turned Education Assistant
Profile Overview:
- Name: Maria (fictional example)
- Age: 26
- Country of Origin: Philippines
- Education: Bachelor’s in Education + Canadian Diploma in Educational Support
- Experience: 2 years as an Educational Assistant in Canada
- Language Proficiency: CLB 9 in English
- French Proficiency: None
Why She Qualifies:
Maria pursued further studies in Canada and then gained relevant Canadian work experience in an elementary school. Her educational background and strong English skills helped her score well in CRS, and her Canadian diploma earned her additional points. With a CRS score of 480, Maria crossed the threshold for the Education draw.
Key Strengths:
- Canadian education and work experience
- Strong language skills
- Age advantage
2. International Secondary School Teacher with Strong English
Profile Overview:
- Name: Imran (fictional example)
- Age: 29
- Country of Origin: Pakistan
- Education: Bachelor’s in Science + Master’s in Education
- Experience: 3 years teaching in high school
- Language Proficiency: CLB 10 in English
- French Proficiency: None
Key Strengths:
- High language proficiency
- Advanced degree
- Relevant foreign work experience
Important Note: As teaching is a regulated profession in Canada, Imran would still need to be certified by the appropriate provincial authority before he can begin working in Canada.
3. Social Work Graduate with Spousal Support
Profile Overview:
- Name: Simone (fictional example)
- Age: 28
- Country of Origin: Jamaica
- Education: Bachelor’s in Social Work + Canadian Diploma in Disability and Community Support
- Experience: 3 years in social work
- Language Proficiency: CLB 9
- French Proficiency: None
- Spouse: Holds a Master’s, CLB 10+ in English, and 1 year of Canadian work experience
Why She Qualifies:
Key Strengths:
- Combined education in and outside Canada
- Spouse’s credentials and Canadian experience
- High English language proficiency
Why Canada Is Targeting Educators
- Elementary and secondary school teachers
- Early childhood educators
- Educational assistants
- Special education workers
- Community and social support educators
The aging population, increasing student enrollment, and growing demand for inclusive education have all contributed to this need. By welcoming skilled foreign educators, Canada is addressing this labour gap and strengthening its education system.
How to Boost Your CRS Score as an Education Professional
If you’re an education professional aiming to immigrate to Canada, here are steps you can take to enhance your Express Entry profile:
- Pursue Canadian Education – Studying in Canada not only improves your CRS score but also increases your chances of gaining Canadian work experience.
- Improve Your English or French Scores – Language ability is a major CRS factor. A higher CLB level can lead to substantial point gains.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience – Ensure your work experience aligns with eligible occupations in the Education category.
- Get Credential Recognition – For regulated roles like teaching, you may need to get certified through a provincial authority.
- Include Spousal Factors – If your spouse has higher education, strong language skills, or Canadian work experience, those can add significant points to your profile.
PGWP Eligibility Criteria by Level of Study
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Not required |
| Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
| College/Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
Recent Policy Update: Master’s Graduates Get PGWPs Up to 3 Years
Effective February 15, 2024, graduates of Master’s programs that are at least 8 months long (or 900 hours in Quebec) are now eligible for a full 3-year PGWP, even if the program itself is shorter than 2 years. This is a significant change that can greatly benefit those in advanced academic programs.
What If You Already Have a PGWP?
However, if you completed multiple eligible programs before applying for your first PGWP, the duration of your permit may be based on the combined length of your studies.
Types of Institutions That Qualify for PGWP
- Public post-secondary institutions (e.g., universities, colleges, trade schools).
- Private institutions in Quebec that follow the same rules as public ones.
- Private Quebec institutions offering 900+ hour programs leading to a DEP or ASP.
- Degree-granting private institutions authorized under provincial law (only for degree programs).
Final Tips for a Successful PGWP Journey
- Do thorough research on the institution and program before applying.
- Speak with admissions or an immigration advisor if you’re unsure about eligibility.
- Ensure your documents are in order before graduation.
- Stay informed about IRCC updates and immigration policy changes.
- Remain in good standing legally and academically throughout your stay in Canada.
Conclusion
Need help with your Canada PR application as an education professional?
Connect with our experts today and get a personalized eligibility assessment for category-based draws.
