Canada is an ideal destination for skilled workers from the UAE, especially teachers, who are looking for better job opportunities and a high quality of life. The country has a strong demand for qualified education professionals, offering good salaries, modern facilities, and a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, a Canadian skilled immigration visa holder can also apply for PR and Citizenship.
In 2025, the Canadian immigration system has launched a new category under the express entry program for skilled educators across the world, including the UAE. It is specifically designed to fulfill the growing shortage of educational professionals.
If you’re a qualified teacher and looking for career opportunities in Canada, this guide is for you. It will help you understand the Express Entry Draw program, its eligibility criteria, and everything you need to know.
Understanding the Express Entry Draw
The IRCC or Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada introduced a new “Education Occupation Category” Within the express entry system. It helps the Canadian education sector to target skilled individuals who have a specific work experience in the relevant occupations. During the first draw that was held on 1st May, 2025, 1000 ITAs were issued to eligible candidates.
Eligible Occupations
To qualify for the Express Entry Draw for the education category, you must have work experience in fields listed on the National Occupation Classification Codes List, and your job duties must align with the descriptions provided for these NOC Codes. If you are in the UAE, you can contact the DM-Consultant, a trusted provider of visa immigration services in the UAE and all across the globe, for the latest information and professional assistance.
Here’s a list of eligible occupations.
- NOC 41220: Secondary school teachers
- NOC 41221: Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- NOC 42202: Early Childhood educators and assistants
- NOC 41320: Education Councillor
- NOC 42201: Instructors of persons with disabilities
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Education Occupation Category, you must meet the following requirements;
- Must be eligible under one of these programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
- At least one year of full-time skilled work experience.
- Prove your English or French language ability through an approved test like IELTS or TEF.
- An Educational Credential Assessment for your degree or diploma.
- Score at least 67 points out of 100 if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- Create an Express Entry profile online and enter the pool of candidates.
- Proof of funds to show you have enough money to support yourself and your family.
- You must be medically fit and pass a health check.
- No serious criminal background and a police clearance certificate.
- After receiving an Invitation to apply, must submit a full application within 60 days.
- All documents must be verified and complete to avoid delays or rejection.
How to Apply?
Applying for an eligible Education Occupation under the Express Entry Draw system can be challenging for most individuals. From eligibility verification to documentation, the right category selection, and profile creation, it involves various time-consuming tasks. However, relying on a professional like the DM-Consultant and performing each step carefully can help you achieve your goals effortlessly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for your dream teaching job in Canada.
Check Your Eligibility
The first step is to make sure you meet the basic requirements for Express Entry and the education occupation category. You must also be eligible under one of the main programs like Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class.
Get Your Educational Credentials Assessed
If you studied outside of Canada, you need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This helps Canada understand how your education compares to Canadian standards. You can apply for an ECA through approved agencies like DM.
Take a Language Test
Now prove your ability to speak English or French by taking an approved test like IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French. Make sure to get the minimum required score, which is usually CLB 7 or higher for education professionals.
Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once you have your language test and ECA results, you can create your Express Entry profile online. It requires you to enter details about your education, work experience, language scores, and other personal information.
Enter the Express Entry Pool
After submitting your profile, you will be placed into the Express Entry pool of candidates. You can stay in the pool for up to 12 months. During this period, you can try to improve your CRS score by updating your profile.
Wait for the Draw
If you meet the CRS score cut-off for the education occupation category, you will get an Invitation to Apply or ITA. These draws happen regularly, and the cut-off score changes each time. Our expert visa agents can help you check your account to see if you receive an invitation.
Submit Your Application for PR
Once you get the ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence to Canada. This includes uploading your documents like passport, job letters, police checks, medical results, and proof of funds.
Wait for a Decision
After you apply, the government will review your application. If everything is complete and you meet all the requirements, you will get your confirmation of permanent residence.
Tips to Increase Your Chance of Success
- Make sure your job duties match the right NOC code for education professionals.
- Try to get the highest possible score in your language test.
- Get a strong and clear Educational Credential Assessment done earlier.
- Gain more work experience in your field to increase your points.
- Complete an extra certificate or course to improve your education level.
- Apply for jobs in Canada and try to get a valid job offer.
- Look into Provincial Nominee Programs to get extra CRS points
- Keep your Express Entry profile updated with any new skills or changes.
- Make sure all your documents are correct and ready before you apply.
- Stay informed about Express Entry draws and CRS cut-off scores regularly.
A Final Word
The education occupation category under the Express Entry draw is an ideal pathway for teachers and educational professionals to secure a bright career in Canada. You can use this guide to better understand this program, know the eligibility requirements, and the application
