The Canadian Immigration Department, IRCC, has made history with its first Express Entry Draw for Education, selecting 1,000 candidates based on educational qualifications as part of a new category-based selection system.
The candidates selected under this category will be able to apply for the permanent residence.
Key Highlights of the Education-Based Draw
This milestone draw, held on May 1, 2025, marks the first time IRCC has used educational background as a core selection factor for Express Entry candidates. The Express Entry Draw for Education is part of Canada’s broader strategy to align immigration with evolving economic priorities.
New Education Category: A Strategic Addition
Announced in February 2025, the education category is the latest addition to IRCC’s category-based draws. It is designed to attract skilled individuals whose educational qualifications align with Canada’s long-term labor market needs.
Furtheremore, this approach allows IRCC to focus on priority sectors and demographics by issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who meet specific criteria beyond just CRS scores.
First Draw Since the National Election
The May 1 draw is also notable as it is the first Express Entry round following Canada’s recent national election, which brought the Liberal government under Prime Minister Carney to power. The new administration’s stance on immigration has sparked widespread interest, especially regarding how policy changes may impact economic immigration moving forward.
Express Entry in 2025: A Growing Program
IRCC has issued 32,929 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025 alone. With the addition of category-based selections such as the Express Entry Draw for Education, the program continues to evolve to meet the country’s economic and demographic goals.
First Ever Education Category Draw
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Education occupations (Version 1) |
| Date and Time | May 1, 2025 |
| CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited | 479 |
| Number of Invitations Issued | 1,000 |
| Rank Needed | 1,000 or above |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | August 10, 2024 at 10:35:55 UTC |
| Tie-Breaking Explanation | Based on date/time Express Entry profile submitted if scores are tied |
CRS Score Distribution: Express Entry Pool as of 27 April 2025
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
| 601-1200 | 416 |
| 501-600 | 20,708 |
| 451-500 | 72,523 |
| 491-500 | 12,291 |
| 481-490 | 12,544 |
| 471-480 | 16,411 |
| 461-470 | 16,313 |
| 451-460 | 14,964 |
| 401-450 | 68,267 |
| 441-450 | 14,230 |
| 431-440 | 14,909 |
| 421-430 | 13,385 |
| 411-420 | 13,274 |
| 401-410 | 12,469 |
| 351-400 | 53,640 |
| 301-350 | 22,553 |
| 0-300 | 8,566 |
| Total | 246,673 |
Express Entry Round of Invitations in 2025
| Date of issue | Draw Category | Number of ITAs issued | Minimum CRS |
| 01 May | Education | 479 | 1,000 |
| 28 April | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| 14 April | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| 21 March | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| 17 March | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| 06 March | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| 03 March | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| 19 February | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| 17 February | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| 05 February | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| 04 February | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| 23 January | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| 08 January | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| 07 January | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |