New Immigration Pathway Prioritizes Education Sector Amid Labour Shortages
In a landmark development for Canadian immigration, the federal government has launched a new category within its Express Entry system, focusing exclusively on professionals in the education field. This marks the first time in the history of Express Entry that teachers and education-related workers have been singled out for permanent residency invitations.
On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates through this inaugural draw under the new “education” category.
Also Read First Express Entry Draw Targeting Education Professionals
Eligibility Threshold: High CRS Score Sets the Bar
To receive an invitation, applicants were required to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 479 and create their Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024.
Although the specific job titles eligible under this stream haven’t been officially released, it’s widely expected to include elementary and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, and post-secondary instructors.
Strategic Immigration Shift: Why Education Now?
The launch of this education-focused category underscores the government’s intent to tackle sector-specific workforce gaps more aggressively. With schools across the country facing staffing shortages and increasing demand for qualified educators, this move aligns immigration with Canada’s broader socio-economic needs.
This draw also happens to be the first one conducted since Canada’s most recent federal election, in which Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration secured another term, partly on the promise of smarter, skills-based immigration.
How This Draw Fits into 2025’s Immigration Landscape
So far this year, IRCC has issued 32,929 total ITAs through various Express Entry draws. Here’s how those selections break down:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws | Total ITAs Issued |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 | Varied |
| French Language Proficiency | 3 | Over 18,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 3 | Around 9,350 |
| Education Category | 1 | 1,000 |
The majority of 2025 draws have centered on candidates nominated by provinces (PNPs), reflecting strong provincial demand for immigrants with region-specific skills. French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience have also been frequently invited. The addition of the education category marks a turning point in Express Entry policy—signaling that occupation-specific draws may become more regular moving forward.
Recent Draw Timeline and CRS Trends
Here’s a snapshot of Express Entry activity so far this year:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | 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 |
| Feb 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| Feb 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
These numbers show that CRS thresholds for targeted draws such as French language and education are significantly lower than those seen in PNP draws, which often exceed 700.
Navigating the Application Process: Do You Need Legal Help?
While it’s entirely possible to apply independently, many candidates choose to hire immigration lawyers or licensed consultants to enhance the quality of their submission. A professional can help:
- Evaluate your profile and advise on the most suitable stream
- Strategically improve your CRS score
- Ensure documentation accuracy and avoid processing delays
- Represent you if complications arise during the process
It’s worth noting, however, that hiring a lawyer doesn’t guarantee success—what matters most is the strength and accuracy of your application.
What Comes Next for Immigration Candidates?
With the rollout of this new category, Canada is clearly signaling a future where immigration is closely aligned with real-time labour market needs. More category-based draws may be on the horizon for sectors such as health care, construction, and tech.
For education professionals considering a move to Canada, now is the time to create or update their Express Entry profile and ensure their credentials and work experience align with federal requirements.
