In 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system introduced a new category focused on the education sector to address critical labour shortages and attract skilled educators. This category now includes a variety of teaching and educational support roles, providing a more direct pathway to permanent residency for qualified professionals.

Eligible Occupations:

• Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100): Supporting students and assisting teachers with academic and non-academic needs, including behaviour management and personal care.

• Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203): Providing specialized training to improve communication, mobility, and independence for children and adults with disabilities.

• Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202): Designing and delivering developmental programs for children from infancy to age 12 in daycares and kindergartens.

• Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221): Teaching core subjects and second languages in public and private elementary schools.

• Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220): Educating high school students in academic, vocational, and technical subjects.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the listed occupations within the past three years, either in Canada or abroad. Additionally, they must meet the general Express Entry program requirements and qualify under one of its three federal immigration streams.

This targeted draw underscores Canada’s recognition of the essential role educators play in society, creating new opportunities for teaching professionals to settle permanently and contribute to the growth and development of the country’s educational system.