Express Entry: Canada Resumes First Education Draw, CRS Score Lowered

Canada opened a new round of immigration invitations through its Express Entry system on September 17. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,500 candidates under the education category. The draw lowered the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score to 462.

To qualify, candidates needed to create their Express Entry profile before July 9, 2025, at 4:24 a.m. UTC.

This is only the second education-focused draw in Express Entry’s history. The first one took place on May 1. That draw issued 1,000 invitations with a higher CRS cut-off of 479.

Comparison With Earlier Draws

The latest education draw shows clear changes. It doubled the number of invitations and lowered the CRS score by 17 points compared with May.

The move signals growing importance for education-based immigration. Canada continues to diversify its immigration pathways by balancing draws across categories.

Busy September For Express Entry

September has already seen five draws.

• September 15: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw with 228 invitations, cut-off at 746.
  
• September 4: French language draw with 4,500 invitations, cut-off at 446.
  
• September 3: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw with 1,000 invitations, cut-off at 534.
  
• September 2: PNP draw with 249 invitations, cut-off at 772.
  

The education category draw on September 17 added to this list with the largest number of invitations this month after the French-language draw.

Year-To-Date Numbers

In 2025, Canada issued 59,797 invitations through Express Entry. The largest share has gone to PNP candidates. Other categories include Canadian Experience Class, French-language speakers, healthcare and social services, and now education.

Here is a breakdown of the year’s draws so far:

• PNP: 17 draws
  
• CEC: 9 draws
  
• French language: 5 draws
  
• Healthcare and social services: 4 draws
  
• Education: 2 draws
  

The largest draw of the year occurred on March 21, when 7,500 invitations went to French-speaking candidates at a cut-off of 379.

What It Means For Candidates

The latest education draw signals opportunity for candidates with academic backgrounds. A lower CRS cut-off widens the pool of qualified applicants. With more invitations issued, candidates in this category have better chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Canada’s immigration department continues to adjust its draws to match labour and education priorities. The trend also highlights the country’s effort to attract skilled newcomers with diverse qualifications.

Looking Ahead

Express Entry remains Canada’s main system for skilled immigration. With draws taking place almost every week, candidates should stay alert to changes in eligibility requirements and CRS cut-offs.

Education-based candidates now see a clearer path. The growth in invitations and the lower score suggest that Canada aims to bring more qualified individuals through this category in the coming months.