Last Updated On 7 January 2025, 9:48 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) did public consultations in 2024 to set up a new Express Entry draw category as well as a review of existing categories for 2025.
IRCC’s consultations involved the introduction of a new category of “education” along with the review of existing 5 categories.
Recent indication by IRCC adding certain study programs to the list of PGWP-eligible programs signals that the education category will be introduced in 2025 for Express Entry.
This article enlists the expected list of 6 occupations with NOC codes under the new Express Entry draw category for education.
Table of Contents
How did we create this expected occupations list for the new Express Entry draw category?
In September 2024, IRCC announced significant changes impacting international students’ eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
These updates emphasize a strong connection between fields of study and long-term labour market shortages.
The changes include:
- International students graduating from fields of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage (excluding university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs) will be eligible for PGWPs.
- Students applying for study permits after November 1, 2024, must adhere to these field-of-study requirements.
On December 17, 2024, IRCC expanded the list of PGWP-eligible programs to include additional fields of study related to education, particularly early childhood education and developmental service workers.
These updates suggest that occupations within the education sector may form the basis of the new category under Express Entry.
IRCC structured the initial list of PGWP-eligible programs around the existing Express Entry category-based selection system, based on five main occupational categories:
The proposed education category is expected to be the sixth addition to this list, focusing on addressing labour shortages in the education sector.
PGWP-eligible programs are categorized using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which organizes educational programs in Canada.
The newly eligible programs under the education field of study include:
| CIP 2021 Title | CIP 2021 Code |
|---|---|
| Developmental services worker | 19.0710 |
| Montessori teacher education | 13.1207 |
| Waldorf/Steiner teacher education | 13.1208 |
| Early childhood education and teaching | 13.1210 |
| Teaching assistants/aides, general | 13.1501 |
| Child development | 19.0706 |
| Child care and support services | 19.0708 |
| Child care provider/assistant | 19.0709 |
| Early childhood and family studies | 19.0711 |
Based on these changes, the following occupations are expected to be included in the new Express Entry category for education:
1. Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC Code: 41221)
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers are responsible for teaching basic subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, or specialized subjects such as French or English as a second language.
These professionals are employed in public and private schools.
2. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC Code: 43100)
Teacher assistants support students and assist educators with teaching and non-instructional tasks.
They often work in public and private elementary, secondary, and special needs schools, as well as treatment centres.
3. Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC Code: 42202)
Early childhood educators plan and implement programs for children from infancy to 12 years. Their goal is to stimulate intellectual, physical, and emotional growth.
Early childhood educator assistants work under their guidance and are employed in childcare centres, kindergartens, and daycare facilities.
4. Secondary School Teachers (NOC Code: 41220)
Secondary school teachers teach academic, technical, or vocational subjects in public and private secondary schools.
Department heads in secondary schools are also part of this group.
5. Educational Counsellors (NOC Code: 41320)
Educational counsellors advise students on educational and career planning.
They work closely with students, parents, teachers, and staff to provide counselling services and are typically employed by school boards and post-secondary institutions.
6. Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC Code: 42203)
These instructors help individuals with disabilities improve communication, rehabilitation, social skills, and independence.
They work in rehabilitation centres, specialized education institutes, and schools.
The possible inclusion of an education-focused category under Express Entry will help address the persistent labour shortages in Canada’s education sector.
This move will align with IRCC’s broader objective to attract skilled workers who can immediately contribute to sectors experiencing critical shortages.
By targeting occupations such as early childhood educators and teacher assistants, the new category will support essential roles that are vital for Canada’s social and economic growth.
How Does the Category-Based Selection Work in Express Entry?
Category-based selection allows IRCC to invite high-ranking candidates who meet specific occupational or language criteria to apply for permanent residency.
This ensures that Canada’s labour market needs are met effectively.
What New Category is Being Proposed for the 2025 Express Entry Draws?
A new category focusing on education is proposed. This category targets occupations like teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors for persons with disabilities.
What Are the Existing Occupational Categories Under Express Entry?
Why is the education category being added?
The education category addresses labour shortages in teaching and related professions, which are essential for Canada’s future workforce development.
What Occupations Are Likely to Be Included in the Education Category?
The expected occupations include elementary and secondary school teachers, teacher assistants, early childhood educators, educational counsellors, and instructors for persons with disabilities.
The addition of a new education category under Express Entry will mark a significant step toward addressing Canada’s labour market challenges, but keep in consideration that there is still no official confirmation on these occupations/category.
By focusing on key roles within the education sector, IRCC is ensuring that skilled professionals are available to support children’s learning and development across the country.
If you are an international student or skilled professional in the education field, this may become your opportunity to become a permanent resident in Canada.
Stay updated with IRCC’s announcements to learn more about the upcoming changes.
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