Canada Express Entry: 2,500 Invited in New Education Draw
Canada Issues 2,500 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Education Category Draw
- IRCC invites 2,500 candidates in the second-ever Express Entry education category draw
- CRS cut-off score drops to 462 — down from 479 in the last education-targeted draw
- This draw is part of a busy September, marking the fifth Express Entry draw of the month
- Category-based draws expanding options for skilled immigrants with education or work experience in key sectors
- IRCC has now issued over 59,000 ITAs in 2025 through Express Entry
- PNP, CEC, French proficiency, and healthcare draws also remain active throughout the year
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to evolve, and the latest draw shows just how dynamic it’s become. On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 2,500 candidates under the education category — marking only the second time this specific stream has been used to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
If you’re wondering what this means for your immigration journey to Canada — especially if you have an educational background — let’s dive into the latest developments and draw trends.
Details of the Latest Express Entry Education Draw
The draw issued 2,500 ITAs to candidates who had:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462
- Created their Express Entry profile before July 9, 2025, at 4:24 a.m. UTC
This marks a significant shift from the previous education-focused draw held on May 1, 2025, where the CRS cut-off was 479 and only 1,000 candidates were invited. So not only did the cutoff score drop by 17 points, but the number of invitations more than doubled — a welcome change for many hopeful applicants.
Why This Draw Matters
This draw is part of a broader IRCC initiative to make immigration more responsive to Canada’s labour market needs. By focusing on candidates with educational qualifications, the federal government is targeting newcomers who can contribute in teaching, early childhood education, and related fields — sectors that are currently seeing strong demand across the provinces.
In fact, category-based draws like this one are designed to complement more traditional Express Entry options, such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These new categories are evolving quickly, giving skilled workers more tailored pathways to permanent residency.
Busy September for Express Entry Candidates
So far, September has been a busy month for Express Entry. Here’s a quick look at the draws that have taken place so far:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 228 | 746 |
| September 4 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2 | PNP | 249 | 772 |
This latest education draw brings the total ITAs issued in 2025 to 59,797 — and we’re not done yet! IRCC continues to hold regular draws across multiple categories to keep up with Canada’s immigration needs.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Here’s how the various Express Entry streams stack up so far this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 17 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 9 |
| French-language proficiency | 5 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4 |
| Education | 2 |
As you can see, the PNP continues to lead the pack — which aligns with Canada’s strategy of working closely with provinces to meet regional labour shortages. If you’re interested in a province-specific route, check out our Manitoba PNP Points Calculator to see how you measure up.
What This Means for You
If you have educational credentials and are considering permanent residency in Canada, now might be the perfect time to get your Express Entry profile in shape. The growing focus on category-based draws — including education and healthcare — means more targeted opportunities could be coming your way.
And remember, Express Entry is competitive. Your CRS score matters, and being eligible for multiple categories can boost your chances. Whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad, staying on top of the latest draw trends can help you strategize your next move.
Final Thoughts
The September 17 draw is a clear indication that Canada continues to open its doors to qualified, skilled individuals — especially in key sectors like education. With a lower CRS threshold and more ITAs issued, this is an encouraging sign for many hopeful immigrants.
Not sure if your profile is competitive enough? Now’s a great time to find out.
See How Competitive Your Express Entry Profile Is
And don’t forget to check back regularly for the latest updates on Express Entry draws, category changes, and immigration tips. We’re here to help you make Canada your new home — one step at a time.
