Express Entry: Canada Conducts First Draw Targeting Education Professionals

Canada’s immigration department has launched a new step for skilled workers. On May 1, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first-ever Express Entry draw for people in the education field.

This special draw invited 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479. They also had to submit their Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024.

The education category is new and was first announced in February. It aims to attract professionals working in education to support Canada's growing needs. This category is now one of the options under IRCC’s economic immigration goals.

This latest draw is the first since the national election. The new government, led by Prime Minister Carney, has promised to keep immigration strong. The education category draw shows that they are following through with that promise.

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 32,929 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under Express Entry. Most of these draws focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Other draws have included French-language speakers and people with Canadian work experience.

Here’s a quick look at all the draws so far in 2025:

• May 1: Education category — 1,000 ITAs, CRS score 479
  
• April 28: PNP — 421 ITAs, CRS 727
  
• April 14: PNP — 825 ITAs, CRS 764
  
• March 21: French language — 7,500 ITAs, CRS 379
  
• March 17: PNP — 536 ITAs, CRS 736
  
• March 6: French language — 4,500 ITAs, CRS 410
  
• March 3: PNP — 725 ITAs, CRS 667
  
• February 19: French language — 6,500 ITAs, CRS 428
  
• February 17: PNP — 646 ITAs, CRS 750
  
• February 5: Canadian Experience Class — 4,000 ITAs, CRS 521
  
• February 4: PNP — 455 ITAs, CRS 802
  
• January 23: Canadian Experience Class — 4,000 ITAs, CRS 527
  
• January 8: Canadian Experience Class — 1,350 ITAs, CRS 542
  
• January 7: PNP — 471 ITAs, CRS 793
  

The focus this year has clearly been on the PNP, which had seven draws. French-speaking and Canadian Experience Class candidates each saw three draws. The education category has had one draw so far.

For those invited to apply through Express Entry, hiring a lawyer is not a must. However, many choose to do so for extra guidance. An experienced lawyer can help improve your profile, collect documents, and avoid errors. They also provide helpful advice tailored to your case.

A lawyer won’t increase your chances just by filling out forms. But their help can ensure a stronger, more complete application.