On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a milestone Express Entry draw specifically targeting education professionals — the first of its kind under the newly established category-based selection system.
In this draw, 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates who met the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479; and
- A valid Express Entry profile submitted before 10:35 a.m. (UTC) on August 10, 2024.
This draw signifies IRCC’s growing emphasis on attracting professionals who align with Canada’s labor market needs, especially in priority sectors such as education.
Summary of 2025 Express Entry Draws to Date
The May 1 draw is the first under the education-specific category, introduced by IRCC in February 2025. It is also the first Express Entry selection since Canada’s recent federal election, drawing increased attention to the evolving immigration policies of Prime Minister Carney’s liberal government.
Below is a summary of all Express Entry draws held in 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2 | Healthcare and Social Services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
To date in 2025, IRCC has issued 32,929 ITAs through the Express Entry system.
Draw Types and Focus Areas in 2025
So far, Express Entry draws in 2025 have focused heavily on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. However, a balanced number of draws have also been conducted for French-language proficiency and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The recent additions of draws targeting education and healthcare professionals signal IRCC’s broader economic and occupational priorities.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 7 |
| French-language Proficiency | 3 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer for Express Entry?
While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to complete your Express Entry application, working with a licensed professional can offer significant advantages.
A qualified immigration consultant, like Salekur Rahman (RCIC# R514379), can help you:
- Identify the most suitable immigration stream within Express Entry;
- Prepare and organize required documentation to build a strong application;
- Maximize your CRS score by advising on point-boosting strategies;
- Ensure that your submission is accurate and free of errors or omissions;
- Navigate complex or unforeseen issues that may arise during processing.
At Skynet Immigration, we focus not just on completing paperwork but on providing tailored advice and ongoing support to help you achieve successful permanent residence in Canada.
To explore whether you qualify for Express Entry under the education category or another pathway, contact Skynet Immigration today for a free assessment. Our team is ready to assist you 24/7 with document evaluation, profile optimization, and full case management.
