Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a landmark Express Entry draw, inviting 1,000 candidates under a newly introduced category for education professionals. This marks the first time Canada has specifically targeted skilled workers in the education sector through the Express Entry system.
To be considered in this category-specific draw, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile by 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024.
This draw is part of IRCC’s evolving strategy to address labour shortages across critical sectors. Introduced in February 2025, the education category was created to prioritize teachers, educators, and other related occupations to support Canada’s growing need for qualified professionals in its educational institutions.
This latest draw, conducted on May 1, is also notable as the first held after Canada’s recent federal election. With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Liberal government in place, attention has turned to their immigration policies, including increased support for targeted draws under Express Entry.
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 32,929 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through various types of Express Entry draws. These have included streams focusing on healthcare, French language proficiency, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and now, education professionals.
In recent months, the category-based Express Entry draws have become a major part of Canada’s immigration strategy. By targeting specific sectors, IRCC aims to align immigration intake with national economic priorities and provincial labour market needs.
The rollout of the education category reflects this broader strategic shift. It also aligns with Prime Minister Carney’s campaign commitments to modernize immigration pathways and ensure they meet current demographic and workforce realities.
With Canada’s population aging and labour gaps expanding, attracting skilled educators will play a key role in shaping a future-ready society. This draw signals a strong step in that direction.