On May 1, 2025 (Ministerial Instructions #344), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first occupation‑specific Express Entry draw of the year, inviting candidates in education occupations to apply for permanent residence. This occupation‑focused approach reflects IRCC’s effort to respond to labour market needs by targeting skilled professionals in high‑demand sectors. Details of the draw are available on the official IRCC website here.

Draw Summary: Education Occupations (Version 1)

• Invitations Issued: 1,000

• Lowest CRS Score Invited: 479

• Tie‑Breaker Date: August 10, 2024 at 10:35:55 UTC

• Round Number: #344

• Date & Time: May 1, 2025 at 16:02:30 UTC

By drawing only from candidates in education roles—such as early childhood educators, school teachers, and special education instructors—IRCC aims to bolster Canada’s long‑term economic and social success. As of April 27, 2025, there were 246,673 profiles in the Express Entry pool (Express Entry eligibility), and to date IRCC has issued 32,929 ITAs across fourteen draws this year.

Why the Focus on Education‑Targeted Express Entry?

Addressing Labour Market Gaps

Education professionals play a critical role in Canadian communities. Recent demographic trends—such as a growing child population in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia—have led to increased school enrolments and teacher shortages in both urban and rural areas. According to provincial education reports, some districts report vacancy rates as high as 15% for key teaching positions, including early childhood educators and secondary school teachers. By focusing on candidates with proven experience in these occupations, the Education‑Targeted Express Entry draw helps to mitigate staffing gaps, ensure classroom stability, and support government objectives to maintain high educational standards nationwide.

Streamlined Permanent Residence Pathway

The Education‑Targeted Express Entry draw creates a dedicated pathway for qualified education professionals with a minimum CRS score of 479, even if this falls below general draw thresholds. Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates have 60 days to compile and submit a comprehensive permanent residence application, including proof of work experience, language test results, and credential assessments. By leveraging ministerial instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, IRCC ensures that experienced educators can navigate a more predictable and expedited process. This streamlining reduces uncertainty, allowing early childhood educators, teachers, and instructors of persons with disabilities to secure their status in Canada and contribute swiftly to the labour market.

Eligible Occupations in Draw #344

The draw focused on the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:

For full details, refer to the official Ministerial Instructions here.

What Candidates Should Know

• Profile Submission Date: Ensure your Express Entry profile was submitted before the tie‑breaker timestamp (August 10, 2024 at 10:35:55 UTC) if you scored 479.

• Apply Promptly: Once invited, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

• Documentation: Include proof of work experience, language test results, education credentials, and valid identity documents.

• Monitor IRCC Updates: IRCC publishes detailed draw results and ministerial instructions on its website; subscribe to updates here.

Implications for Prospective Immigrants

The Education-Targeted Express Entry draw demonstrates IRCC’s flexible use of Express Entry to meet sector‑specific demands. Education professionals with CRS scores around 480 should remain vigilant and maintain their profile accuracy. Consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can improve your chances by ensuring all documentation is complete and up to IRCC standards.

Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you work in education and are considering permanent residence, connect with Mesidor Immigration for personalized guidance and an eligibility assessment:
Contact Us for Your Immigration Eligibility Assessment – Mesidor Immigration