Canada made a major shift in 2025 by adding education occupations to its category-based Express Entry draws. These targeted draws aim to bring skilled education professionals into the country to help fill shortages in schools, early childhood centres, and inclusive education settings.
Below, we outline each of the education jobs that are now a focus for Express Entry, including a short job description and average salary information to help candidates better understand what opportunities await.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Why Canada is prioritising education jobs through Express Entry
- A list of all targeted education occupations in 2025
- Descriptions and average salaries for each job
- How Express Entry category-based draws work for educators
- Frequently asked questions
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)
Description:
Teacher assistants support certified teachers in delivering lessons, managing classrooms, and helping students with special learning needs. They often assist with supervision during breaks and may work with small groups or one-on-one with students.
Average Salary:
Between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on province and school board.
Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203)
Description:
These instructors work with children or adults who have physical, developmental, or learning disabilities. They design and implement training programs tailored to each person’s needs, often within community organisations, schools, or care facilities.
Average Salary:
Approximately $50,000 to $65,000 annually.
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202)
Description:
Early childhood educators plan and lead activities that help preschool children develop social, physical, and emotional skills. Assistants support educators in caring for children and maintaining a safe and engaging environment.
Average Salary:
Educators earn around $40,000 to $55,000 per year. Assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually.
Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221)
Description:
These teachers instruct students in kindergarten through Grade 6 in subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies. They also assess student progress and communicate with parents.
Average Salary:
$60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and province.
Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220)
Description:
Secondary school teachers specialise in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, or history, teaching students from Grade 7 through Grade 12. They also prepare students for graduation and post-secondary pathways.
Average Salary:
$65,000 to $95,000 annually, with salaries often higher in urban areas and with greater teaching experience.
Why Education Jobs Were Added to Express Entry
Canada is facing growing shortages in education professionals, especially in rural and northern areas. By targeting these occupations through category-based draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hopes to attract qualified individuals who can support student learning and help maintain strong public education systems across the country.
What This Means for Applicants
If you have recent experience in one of the above education occupations, you may receive a targeted invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Make sure your profile is active and your work experience is properly classified under the correct NOC code.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply for Canada Express Entry as an Education Worker
If you work in one of the targeted education occupations in Canada’s 2025 Express Entry system, you may be eligible for a streamlined permanent residence process. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before you begin, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class, including:
- At least one year of full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years
- Language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or higher recommended)
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
- Proof of funds (unless you have a valid job offer or are already in Canada)
Step 2: Find Your Correct NOC Code
Match your job experience to the correct NOC 2021 code. For education jobs targeted in 2025, the codes include:
- 43100 – Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
- 42203 – Instructors of Persons with Disabilities
- 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
- 41221 – Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
- 41220 – Secondary School Teachers
Make sure your job duties align with the official NOC description.
Step 3: Get Your Language Test and ECA
Take an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada) and have your foreign credentials assessed through an IRCC-recognised organisation such as WES or ICES.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
Visit Canada.ca and:
- Create your online Express Entry profile
- Select your primary NOC code
- Enter your language scores, education, and work history
- Submit the profile to enter the pool of candidates
Step 5: Wait for a Targeted Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your NOC code is selected in a category-based draw for education occupations, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). These draws prioritise candidates in education professions, even with lower CRS scores.
Step 6: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application
Once invited:
- Complete the online permanent residence application
- Upload all required documents (ID, police checks, language test results, medical exam, work experience proof, etc.)
- Pay the processing fee
You have 60 days from receiving your ITA to apply.
Step 7: Wait for IRCC Processing and Approval
Processing times vary, but most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months. You’ll receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) if approved.
Step 8: Prepare to Move to Canada
Once your application is approved, you can make arrangements to move, including:
- Applying for provincial teacher certification if required
- Finding housing and schools
- Registering for newcomer services
Alternatives to Express Entry for Foreign Teachers
While Express Entry is a popular pathway for skilled immigrants, it is not the only option for foreign teachers looking to build a career in Canada. Here are a few alternative immigration programs:
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces have streams that target teachers, early childhood educators, and support staff. For example:
- Ontario and British Columbia have historically offered regular invites to educators through their PNPs.
- New Brunswick and Nova Scotia actively recruit teachers to address regional shortages.
A job offer from a provincial school board can strengthen your chances of receiving a nomination.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you have a job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, you may qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program. It provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in high-demand sectors, including education.
3. Temporary Work Permit
Foreign teachers with a valid job offer can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported work permit or an LMIA-exempt permit under international agreements. This can lead to permanent residence later through Canadian Experience Class.
4. International Mobility Program for Francophone Teachers
French-speaking educators may qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits through the International Mobility Program if they plan to work outside Quebec. This is part of Canada’s strategy to promote bilingualism across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are category-based Express Entry draws?
Category-based draws allow IRCC to invite candidates with experience in specific occupations. In 2025, education jobs were added to help meet staffing shortages in Canadian schools.
Do I need a Canadian teaching licence to apply?
You do not need to be licensed to receive an Express Entry invitation, but you must be licensed to work as a teacher in Canada. Provinces handle teacher certification separately.
Can I apply if I have experience but no degree?
Some positions, such as early childhood assistants or teacher aides, may accept candidates without a degree. However, most roles, especially teaching jobs, require post-secondary education.
How do I know if my job experience matches the NOC code?
You should review the official NOC 2021 job descriptions to ensure your duties align. Immigration consultants can also help confirm your occupational code.
Are there special programs for rural education jobs?
Yes, some provinces offer additional incentives or provincial nominee pathways to attract educators to rural or remote communities. These may help with faster processing or job matching.
