Canada continues refining (or revamping) its immigration system, introducing new approaches to address workforce shortages effectively.
In 2025, a new category within the Express Entry program focused on education is set to launch. This step will not only attract professionals needed in the education sector but also highlight Canada’s strategy to build its own talent pool among international students.
The new category is likely to include such professions as primary and secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, teaching assistants, educational consultants, and instructors for individuals with special needs.
These professions are vital to the support and development of the younger generation, making them highly important for the country’s social and economic stability.
A key feature of these changes is that starting November 2024, international students enrolled in programs linked to long-term labor market demand will qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). This is a smart move that allows Canada not only to retain essential specialists but also to "create" them by directing students towards training in professions vital to the economy.
The inclusion of education to the list of priority categories underscores the importance of these professions.
Teachers, educators, and consultants are not just specialists; they lay the foundation for the future. However, it is important to note that this new category has not been officially confirmed yet, and the list of professions remains speculative.
On one hand, this decision appears pragmatic and timely. On the other, it imposes certain limitations on the choice of professions for international students.
Nonetheless, this approach will likely meet labor market needs, maintaining a balance between the number of specialists and existing demand.
This new category within Express Entry serves as another example of how immigration policy can be used as an effective tool to address economic challenges. After all, immigration, economy, and politics are the three pillars of Canada’s regulatory framework. For international students, it will provide opportunities for swift job placement, ensuring faster integration into society.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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