Canada’s Express Entry system has introduced a promising new pathway for professionals in the education sector. The newly launched Education category under category-based selection draws provides educators a much stronger chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency (PR), even with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores than general draws.
What Is the New Education Category in Express Entry?
On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled changes to its Express Entry program, adding the Education category to its targeted draws. This category includes five key occupations within the education field. Individuals with at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in a single eligible occupation within the last three years may qualify for this draw.
In its inaugural draw for the Education category, IRCC issued 1,000 ITAs with a CRS score cut-off of 479, significantly lower than the 2024 general draw cut-offs that ranged from 524 to 549.
Fictional Profiles That Would Qualify
To help visualize what successful candidates might look like, here are three fictional scenarios of applicants who would likely meet the criteria for an ITA under the new Education category.
Example 1: Maria Santos, Educational Assistant
Maria, 26, from Brazil, holds a bachelor’s degree in education. She later moved to Canada for a two-year diploma in Educational Support. After graduation, she obtained a post-graduation work permit and worked for two years as an educational assistant in a Canadian elementary school.
- Age: 26 → 110 points
- Education: Bachelor’s + Canadian diploma → 128 points
- Language: CLB 9 in English → 124 points
- Canadian Work Experience: 2 years → 53 points
- Skill Transferability (Education): 50 points
- Additional Points (Study in Canada): 15 points
- Total CRS Score: 480
Example 2: Arjun Mehta, Secondary School Teacher
Arjun, 29, is a secondary school teacher from India. He completed a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master’s in Education. He has three years of foreign work experience and a CLB level 10 in English. He hasn’t studied or worked in Canada yet.
- Age: 29 → 110 points
- Education: Master’s degree → 135 points
- Language: CLB 10 → 136 points
- Skill Transferability (Education + Language): 50 points
- Skill Transferability (Foreign Work + Language): 50 points
- Total CRS Score: 481
Example 3: Dianne Thomas, Community Support Worker
Dianne, 28, from Barbados, holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and completed a two-year Canadian diploma in disability and community support. She has three years of foreign work experience but no Canadian work experience. Her husband, Joseph, holds a Master’s degree and has one year of Canadian work experience.
- Age: 28 → 100 points
- Education: Bachelor’s + diploma → 119 points
- Language: CLB 9 → 116 points
- Skill Transferability (Education): 50 points
- Skill Transferability (Foreign Work Experience): 50 points
- Additional Points (Study in Canada): 15 points
- Spousal Factors:
- Education: 10 points
- Language: 20 points
- Canadian Work Experience: 5 points
- Total CRS Score: 485
Why Category-Based Draws Matter
Category-based draws are designed to prioritize candidates who can contribute to Canada’s economic and social development. For the Education category, professionals in this field are in high demand, especially given the country’s growing population and increasing need for teachers, educational assistants, and support workers.
The ability to qualify with a lower CRS score makes this category especially attractive. In 2024, the CRS cut-off for Trade occupations dropped as low as 433, and similar trends are expected for the Education category moving forward.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
At ICC Immigration, we are committed to guiding individuals through the most strategic and secure immigration pathways. Whether you are an education professional looking to make Canada your home or someone considering other PR routes, our expert consultants ensure you get the best guidance tailored to your unique case.
Our Services Include:
- Permanent Residency Applications: We assist with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and more to ensure your PR process is smooth and efficient.
- Work and Study Permits: ICC helps you explore work or study options as pathways toward PR.
- Family Sponsorship: Reunite with loved ones in Canada through our professional handling of family sponsorship cases.
- Legal Immigration Advice: Our legal team ensures that all applications comply with Canadian regulations, minimizing delays or rejections.
Avoid the uncertainties and risks of seeking asylum. With ICC Immigration, you receive reliable, transparent, and professional support every step of the way.