Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a significant category-based draw through its Express Entry system on September 17, 2025, targeting candidates with professional backgrounds in education.

In this draw, 2,500 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. Furthermore, per the tie-breaking rule, only candidates who had submitted their profiles before 4:24 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on July 9, 2025, were considered if they met the minimum score.

This marks only the second time in history that a draw has specifically targeted the education category. Compared to the first-ever education draw held on May 1 of this year, this round saw two notable changes:

1. Significant Score Reduction: The minimum CRS score dropped from 479 to 462, a decrease of 17 points, opening the door for a wider pool of candidates.
2. Expanded Draw Size: The number of invitations issued increased substantially from 1,000 to 2,500, a 150% rise, indicating a growing demand for these professionals in Canada.

This draw was the fifth conducted through the Express Entry system in September, highlighting a period of frequent activity from IRCC. It followed a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draw on September 15, a large-scale draw for French-speaking candidates on September 4 (4,500 ITAs), and a smaller Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on September 3.

To date in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 59,797 Invitations to Apply through the Express Entry system.

An analysis of this year's invitation strategy reveals a clear focus by IRCC on category-based selections. Draws for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which are closely tied to regional economic needs, have been the most frequent. The remaining invitations have been allocated to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), those with French-language proficiency, and others in priority occupation categories.

2025 Express Entry Draws by Category

1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 17
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 9
3. French-language proficiency: 5
4. Healthcare and social services: 4
5. Education: 2

The resumption of this education-specific draw, coupled with more accessible criteria, sends a clear signal of the Canadian government's intention to use the immigration system to address domestic labour market shortages in the education sector. For prospective applicants with a background in this field, this development is undoubtedly a positive sign.

Summary of Express Entry draws in 2025