Canada Holds First-Ever Express Entry Draw for Education Professionals

Canada just marked a new milestone in its immigration system. On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first-ever Express Entry draw targeting education professionals, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

To be considered for this draw, candidates needed:

A minimum CRS score of 479
A submitted Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024

This new category-based draw for education professionals highlights Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers in sectors experiencing high demand. It’s also the first Express Entry draw following the national election, where Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government reaffirmed its focus on boosting economic immigration.

What is the Education Category?

The education category was officially introduced in February 2025 and is aimed at attracting qualified teachers, early childhood educators, and other school-based professionals. IRCC has yet to release a full breakdown of which occupations are included, but applicants working in education-related NOC codes are encouraged to check their eligibility.

This draw signals a strategic move to support Canada’s education system, which faces growing teacher shortages across provinces.

Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 32,929 ITAs. While Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws have dominated, the department has also focused on French-language proficiency and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The May 1 draw marks the first for education professionals and the first new category-based draw since the election.

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	CRS Cut-off
May 1	Education	1,000	479
April 28	Provincial Nominee Program	421	727
April 14	Provincial Nominee Program	825	764
March 21	French Language Proficiency	7,500	379
March 17	Provincial Nominee Program	536	736
March 6	French Language Proficiency	4,500	410
March 3	Provincial Nominee Program	725	667
February 19	French Language Proficiency	6,500	428
February 17	Provincial Nominee Program	646	750
February 5	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	521
January 23	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	527
January 8	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542

What This Means for Education Workers

This historic draw opens the door for educators, school administrators, and child care professionals to gain permanent residency more directly through the Express Entry system.

It’s a positive step for those struggling with high CRS scores, as category-based draws often result in lower cut-off points compared to general rounds.

FAQs for Express Entry Candidates

Do I need a lawyer if I get an ITA?
No, but a lawyer can help maximize your CRS points, avoid errors, and handle documentation effectively. They can also assist if complications arise.

Can my family come with me if I get PR?
Yes. You can include your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in your application. If approved, they receive PR as well.

Canada’s education-focused draw shows that skilled professionals in teaching and early learning roles are now more in demand than ever.

Are you a teacher or education worker thinking about making the move to Canada? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments.

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