Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system in its first-ever category-based draw targeting education professionals.
To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to:
- Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479, and
- Submit their Express Entry profile before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024.
Express Entry 2025 Summary (to date):
- Total ITAs issued: 32,929
- Notable firsts:
- May 1: First-ever draw for Education professionals (1,000 ITAs, CRS 479)
- May 2: New draw for Healthcare & Social Services (500 ITAs, CRS 510)
- Other key draws:
- Multiple rounds targeting French language proficiency (up to 7,500 ITAs, CRS as low as 379)
- Ongoing selections for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The May 1 draw also marked the first selection following Canada’s national election, with renewed focus on economic immigration under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government. The education stream, introduced in February 2025, reflects IRCC’s evolving priorities.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025
So far in 2025, the majority of Express Entry draws have targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, with 7 draws. The remaining draws have been split between French-language proficiency (3 draws), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (3 draws), and newly introduced categories for Education and Healthcare & Social Services (1 draw each).
Do You Need a Lawyer After Receiving an ITA?
Hiring a lawyer after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry is not mandatory, but it can be highly beneficial.
While your chances of approval are not automatically higher with a lawyer, a skilled immigration lawyer can:
- Recommend the best program under Express Entry;
- Help you prepare a complete and accurate application;
- Maximize your CRS score through strategic guidance;
- Prevent costly errors or misrepresentations;
- Assist with any complications during processing.
Ultimately, the greatest value lies in the expert advice and personalized support a lawyer provides—not just in filling out forms.
Express Entry: Canada holds first-ever draw for Education professionals | CIC News
