Education stream
How workers in education occupations qualify for Express Entry category-based draws targeting teachers and related education professionals.
Last reviewed:
The education occupations category targets Express Entry candidates who work in teaching and related education roles. Canada faces labour shortages in schools and training institutions, and IRCC uses category-based invitation rounds to invite candidates with experience in qualifying education occupations. The education category was introduced in 2025 and renewed for 2026 (subject to annual ministerial decisions), meaning candidates with experience as teachers, early childhood educators, or other qualifying education professionals may be invited through a dedicated education draw at a lower CRS score than a general-pool draw would require.
How it works
Education is a category used for category-based selection draws — it is not a separate Express Entry program. To enter the pool, a candidate must first meet the eligibility requirements of one of the three underlying programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Once in the pool, candidates whose recent work experience is in a qualifying education NOC occupation may receive an Invitation to Apply through an education category draw, even if their general-pool CRS score would not otherwise lead to an invitation. IRCC reviews and updates the list of eligible occupations for the education category annually based on labour market data.
Eligibility basics
- You must first meet the eligibility requirements of at least one Express Entry program (FSW, FST, or CEC) to enter the pool.
- For category-based draw eligibility, you must have at least 1 year of work experience (or the equivalent in part-time hours) within the past 3 years in a single qualifying education NOC occupation listed on the IRCC category-based selection page. This experience does not need to be continuous.
- The specific occupations eligible for each education draw are set in the ministerial instructions for that round — the list is reviewed and updated annually.
- Your language test results, education credentials (if required for your underlying program), and all admissibility requirements still apply through your underlying Express Entry program.
- You and all accompanying family members must be admissible to Canada.