Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its fifth Express Entry draw in September. They targeted education professionals and issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This marks the busiest month for Express Entry draws in 2025. This education-focused draw brought encouraging news for candidates in the education sector.
Express Entry Draw Results for Education Occupations:
- Express Entry Round: #367
- Draw Date: September 17, 2025
- No. of invitations: 2,500
- CRS Cut-off Score: 462
CRS Score for Express Entry Education Category Decreased
The 462 CRS cutoff is a big drop of 17 points. This is down from the last education-specific draw on May 1, 2025, which needed a CRS score of 479. This reduction opens doors for hundreds of additional candidates who were previously just below the threshold. This means:
- More accessible entry point for education professionals
- Reduced competition within the education category
- Potential indication of high demand for educational talent in Canada
- Strategic timing aligned with the new academic year
Eligible Education Occupations for Category-Specific Draws
The draw included 25 skilled trade jobs from different industries, such as construction, electrical work, maintenance, and food services.
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 | TEER 3 |
| Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 | TEER 2 |
| Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | 42202 | TEER 2 |
| Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 | TEER 1 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 | TEER 1 |
CRS Trends in Express Entry Education Draws (2023–2025)
- 2023–2024: No education-specific draws were held during this period. IRCC focused primarily on general, PNP, and French-language draws.
- 2025 Introduction: Education draws were introduced in May 2025 as part of IRCC’s category-based selection strategy.
- CRS Trend: The cutoff dropped from 479 to 462 between May and September 2025, indicating:
- Increased draw size and broader eligibility.
- IRCC’s intent to attract more skilled educators and support staff.
- Draw Frequency: Only two education draws occurred in 2025 so far, suggesting this category may remain occasional but impactful.
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | Education (1st ever) | 1,000 | 479 | First education-specific draw in Express Entry history. |
| Sep 17, 2025 | Education (2nd draw) | 2,500 | 462 | CRS dropped by 17 points; draw size more than doubled. |
Strategic Takeaway for Candidates
- A CRS score in the 460–470 range is increasingly competitive.
- Focus on eligible NOC codes like 41220, 41221, 42202, 42203, and 43100.
- Consider boosting your CRS with language scores, education upgrades, or PNP nominations to stay ahead of future cutoffs.
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Maximizing Your Education Draw Success
For education professionals preparing for future draws, consider these optimization strategies:
Enhance Your Profile
- Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for international qualifications
- Achieve higher language proficiency scores in both official languages
- Gain Canadian work experience through programs like the International Mobility Program
- Pursue additional certifications relevant to your education specialty
Stay Competitive
- Monitor provincial licensing requirements for your specific education role
- Research provincial teacher certification processes
- Consider Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options for additional points
- Maintain updated professional development credentials
Strategic Positioning
- Submit your Express Entry profile early to benefit from tie-breaking advantages
- Ensure your work experience aligns with eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes
- Consider rural and northern immigration programs for additional pathways
Next Steps for ITA Recipients
Successful candidates must act quickly and decisively:
- 60-Day Timeline: Submit complete permanent residence applications through the IRCC portal
- Documentation Priority: Gather educational transcripts, teaching licenses, and professional references
- Medical and Security: Complete required medical exams and background checks promptly
- Settlement Planning: Begin researching provincial teaching requirements and certification processes
Take Professional Help From Licensed Consultants
Considering a career in Canada’s thriving education sector? At Elaar Immigration, our expert consultants understand the unique pathways available to education professionals and can help optimize your Express Entry profile.
Contact us today to explore how your teaching expertise could be your pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
