IRCC HELD THE FIRST EDUCATION-TARGETED EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW

On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first occupation-targeted Express Entry draw of the year, specifically prioritizing candidates with work experience in education-related occupations. This marks a notable shift in Canada’s strategy to address workforce shortages in the education sector, especially as the country experiences growing demand for qualified educators in both urban and rural communities.

During Express Entry Draw #344, a total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 479 points. The tie-breaking rule was established for August 10, 2024, at 10:35:55 UTC, meaning that candidates with scores of 479 or higher who submitted their profiles before this date and time were considered for this round.

As of April 27, 2025, the Express Entry pool contained 246,673 active profiles, reflecting the consistently high interest in Canadian immigration pathways. To date, Canada has issued 32,929 ITAs through 14 draws in 2025, including both general and category-based rounds, with the latest draw signaling a renewed focus on addressing critical labour shortages in the education sector.

This education-focused draw aligns with broader national efforts to support Canada’s post-pandemic educational recovery, fill staffing gaps in schools, and promote economic growth through targeted immigration.

Are you a teacher or education professional interested in immigrating to Canada?
Let Global Opportunities help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the Express Entry process tailored for your occupation.