Canada’s Express Entry Draw to Include New Education Category: Aimed at Addressing Labour Shortages in the Education Sector

Canada is set to introduce an innovative new category under its Express Entry immigration system in 2025, which will focus on addressing the pressing labour shortages in the education sector. This change follows consultations carried out by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2024. As part of these updates, the country will introduce an “education” category to the existing system, which will prioritize applicants with educational qualifications and experience in occupations related to early childhood education, teaching assistants, and other vital roles within the educational landscape.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the New Education Category
2. How the New Category Will Address Labour Shortages
3. PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study and Expected Occupations
4. Overview of NOC Codes for Education Occupations
5. Expected Impact on Canada’s Immigration System
6. Why the Education Category is Being Added to Express Entry
7. Conclusion: Canada’s Commitment to Strengthening the Education Workforce

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1. Introduction to the New Education Category

In a bid to tackle the ongoing labour shortages in the Canadian education system, IRCC has announced a new “education” category for Express Entry. This will be the sixth category under the current selection system, which previously included healthcare, STEM, trades, transportation, and agriculture/agrifood occupations. The new category will prioritize individuals in the education sector, specifically those in fields like early childhood education, Montessori teaching, and developmental services.

2. How the New Category Will Address Labour Shortages

Canada’s education sector, particularly early childhood education and teaching, has long faced critical labour shortages. The addition of the education category to the Express Entry system aims to alleviate this gap by prioritizing skilled workers who can help fulfill the needs of classrooms, childcare centers, and special education programs across the country.

This initiative is expected to bring in professionals who can immediately contribute to Canada’s educational growth, improving the quality and accessibility of education nationwide. The introduction of this category comes at a time when the government is making changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, aligning study programs with occupations experiencing long-term shortages in the workforce.

3. PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study and Expected Occupations

In September 2024, IRCC made significant updates to the eligibility for PGWPs. The changes focus on international students graduating from programs in fields that are connected to occupations in long-term shortage, like education. This policy aims to keep skilled workers in Canada, particularly in essential sectors like teaching, by expanding PGWP eligibility.

Some newly eligible programs include:

• Developmental Services Worker
• Montessori Teacher Education
• Early Childhood Education and Teaching
• Child Care and Support Services
• Teaching Assistants and Aides
• Early Childhood and Family Studies

These fields have now been officially recognized as eligible for PGWP, and applicants in these categories will be prioritized in the new education-focused Express Entry category.

4. Overview of NOC Codes for Education Occupations

Based on the eligibility of these educational fields, the following occupations with corresponding NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes are expected to be included in the new Express Entry category:

• Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC Code: 41221)
  These teachers are responsible for early learning in core subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, and specialized subjects such as second languages.
• Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC Code: 43100)
  These individuals support classroom learning, assist teachers, and provide guidance to students, often working in public and private schools.
• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC Code: 42202)
  Professionals who design and implement educational programs for children from infancy to 12 years old, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
• Secondary School Teachers (NOC Code: 41220)
  Teachers of academic, technical, or vocational subjects in secondary schools, including department heads in these institutions.
• Educational Counsellors (NOC Code: 41320)
  These professionals provide guidance on educational and career planning, supporting students, teachers, and parents in their educational journeys.
• Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC Code: 42203)
  Specialized educators who assist individuals with disabilities to develop communication and life skills, improving their social independence.

5. Expected Impact on Canada’s Immigration System

The addition of an education category is expected to have a profound impact on Canada’s immigration system. By focusing on addressing the acute need for skilled workers in the education sector, the move will help meet the growing demand for early childhood educators, teacher assistants, and other key educational roles.

This change will also offer international students who graduate in these fields a pathway to permanent residence, helping Canada retain talented professionals in education. With the introduction of this category, the country hopes to create a more balanced workforce that can support long-term educational development.

6. Why the Education Category is Being Added to Express Entry

The decision to add an education category to the Express Entry draw comes at a time when Canadian schools and daycare centers are facing increasing pressures due to teacher shortages. The federal government is determined to bolster the country’s educational system by attracting skilled workers from abroad to fill these roles.

By focusing on occupations tied to labour market shortages and using the Express Entry system to streamline immigration processes, the government hopes to create an efficient pathway for education professionals to contribute to Canada’s growing need for teachers and childcare providers.

7. Conclusion: Canada’s Commitment to Strengthening the Education Workforce

The addition of the education category in the Express Entry system underscores Canada’s commitment to strengthening its educational workforce. By targeting skilled workers in the education sector, the country is preparing to address current labour shortages and improve the quality of education across the nation. This new initiative represents a strategic move by IRCC to meet Canada’s evolving labour market needs, ensuring that skilled professionals are available to help nurture and educate future generations.

This change in Express Entry also aligns with broader immigration goals, with Canada continuing to attract individuals who will contribute to key sectors that fuel the country’s social and economic development.

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