Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made headlines by conducting its first Express Entry draw focused specifically on candidates with educational qualifications. In this groundbreaking category-based selection, 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued.
To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to meet two main criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479
- An Express Entry profile created before 10:35 a.m. UTC on August 10, 2024
Latest Draw Details
- Draw Date: May 1, 2025
- Draw Type: Education
- Number of Invitations: 1,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 479
Express Entry Draws List
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
This May 1 draw represents the debut of the education-based category, which was introduced earlier this year in February as part of IRCC’s efforts to align immigration priorities with economic needs. This new stream joins other specialized categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), French-language proficiency, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Details about the eligible educational fields under this category are available through official IRCC resources.
The latest draw is also significant as it is the first to take place following Canada’s national election. All eyes are currently on Prime Minister Carney’s administration and its stance on immigration policies under the newly elected Liberal government.
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 32,929 ITAs through Express Entry. The majority of these have targeted PNP candidates, while others have been focused on individuals with strong French language skills and those with prior Canadian work experience.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
| Healthcare and social services | 1 |
Do You Need a Lawyer After Receiving an ITA?
Receiving an ITA through the Express Entry system does not legally require you to hire an immigration lawyer. Many applicants successfully complete the process independently. However, working with a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer can offer several advantages.
Although a legal representative cannot increase your chances through influence, they can ensure your application is strategically crafted and free from mistakes. A knowledgeable lawyer can:
- Recommend the most suitable immigration program for your profile
- Assist in organizing and reviewing documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Maximize your CRS score by identifying potential areas for improvement
- Offer professional advice to handle any unexpected issues during the process
Ultimately, the real benefit of hiring a lawyer lies in the expert guidance and personalized support they can provide not just in filling out forms, but in helping you navigate complex immigration procedures with confidence.
