Canada invites first Express Entry applicants under newly introduced education category

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Express Entry system on May 1, 2025, marking the first time candidates were selected through the newly introduced education-based category. As per details shared by IRCC, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 479. Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024, as per a report by CIC News.

IRCC announced the education category in February 2025 as part of its revised immigration strategy. The recent draw on May 1, also comes after Canada’s recent federal election, which has brought renewed focus on the liberal government’s immigration agenda under Prime Minister Mark Carney of the Liberal Party.

According to the report by CIC News, this draw adds to a total of 32,929 ITAs issued so far in 2025. The Express Entry system continues to prioritise candidates through various streams. According to IRCC, this year’s draws have mostly targeted applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program ( PNP), followed by those with French-language proficiency and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The latest draw is the only one so far in the education stream.

Breakdown of 2025 Express Entry Draws:

• PNP: 7 draws
• French-language proficiency: 3 draws
• CEC: 3 draws
• Education: 1 draw

CIC News reported that recent CRS cut-off scores have varied widely across streams. The April 28 PNP draw had a cut-off of 727, while a March 21 draw for French-language proficiency had a lower cut-off of 379.

IRCC clarified that hiring an immigration lawyer is not mandatory for candidates who receive an ITA. However, legal assistance may improve the strength and accuracy of a candidate’s application. Lawyers can provide guidance on selecting the appropriate immigration stream, ensuring proper documentation, and helping resolve any issues that may arise during processing.

The introduction of the education category for PR draws is seen as part of Canada’s efforts to align immigration policy with economic priorities.