Express Entry: Canada holds first-ever draw for Education professionals
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued more invitations to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.
The immigration department issued 1,000 ITAs to candidates in the first-ever education category-based draw.
To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have:
A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479; and
Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 10:35 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on 10 August, 2024.
See your eligibility for all Express Entry streams
Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025
DateDraw TypeNumber of ITAsCut-off CRS score
May 1Education1,000479
April 28Provincial Nominee Program421727
April 14Provincial Nominee Program825764
March 21French language proficiency7,500379
March 17Provincial Nominee Program536736
March 6French language proficiency4,500410
March 3Provincial Nominee Program 725667
February 19French language proficiency 6,500428
February 17Provincial Nominee Program 646750
February 5Canadian Experience Class4,000521
February 4Provincial Nominee Program455802
January 23 Canadian Experience Class4,000527
January 8Canadian Experience Class1,350542
January 7Provincial Nominee Program471793
Today’s draw marks the first candidate selection under IRCC‘s new education category. The education category was first announced in February of this year and is the newest category to be added to the immigration department’s economic priorities.
More information on the occupations included within this category can be found here.
The May 1 draw is also the first Express Entry selection after Canada’s recent national election.
Much attention has been given in recent weeks to Prime Minister Carney’s immigration policies and what Canadian immigration may look like going forward under the new liberal government.
Thus far, IRCC has issued 32,929 ITAs to candidates through the Express Entry system.
Express Entry draws in 2025 thus far have focused primarily on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. The remainder of the draws have been dedicated equally to French-language proficiency and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates:
Draw TypeNumber of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)7
French-language proficiency3
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)3
Education1
Do I have to hire a lawyer if I get an ITA through Express Entry?
Hiring a lawyer for the Express Entry application process is not required, but it can offer valuable advantages.
Assuming you submitted the same application either on your own or with an immigration representative, your chances of success would not change.
However, a skilled and reputable Canadian immigration lawyer can help you submit the best possible candidate profile and/or application for permanent residence (PR). They can also help you maximize your CRS points.
In addition, a qualified immigration lawyer can:
Advise you on the correct program to apply under, through the Express Entry system;
Help you plan for and arrange all needed documents and information for a strong PR application;
Ensure that your application is accurate and free from mistakes or misrepresentation; and
Guide you through and help resolve any unforeseen issues with your application.
The main value of hiring an immigration lawyer is not in their ability to complete forms or submit documents on your behalf, but rather in the personalized care and advice that they can provide to you.
