IRCC has been busy this week, issuing back-to-back invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. The latest draws targeted two key sectorsâeducation and healthcare, with a big drop in CRS scores and a significant advantage for education professionals.
| #Round | Date | Round type | ITAs | CRS Cut-Off |
| 345 | May 2, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 500 | 510 |
| 344 | May 1, 2025 | Education occupations (Version 1) | 1,000 | 479 |
Healthcare Draw Sees Highest CRS Cut-Off Yet
On May 2, IRCC conducted its first healthcare and social services draw of the year, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 510. Since category-based draws began, this draw marked the highest CRS requirement for a healthcare-specific selection.
This draw followed IRCCâs expansion of the healthcare category in February 2025, which added several social services occupations. The high CRS cut-off suggests intense competition, likely due to the growing demand for skilled workers in these fields.
First-Ever Education Draw Offers Major CRS Drop
One day earlier, on May 1, IRCC made history by holding its first-ever Express Entry draw for education professionals. 1,000 ITAs were issued, with a surprisingly low CRS cut-off of 479, far below recent healthcare and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
This draw is a game-changer for teachers, instructors, and other education workers, as it offers a much more accessible pathway than other categories. The lower CRS requirement means many candidates who may have struggled in general draws now have a clear advantage.
Why the Big Difference in CRS Scores?
The gap between the healthcare (510) and education (479) highlights IRCCâs shifting priorities. While healthcare remains in high demand, the new education category was introduced to address labour shortages in schools and training institutions across Canada.
The lower CRS cut-off for education suggests:
- Less competition in this new category (fewer candidates compared to healthcare or French proficiency).
- Urgent hiring needs in education are prompting IRCC to cast a wider net.
- Strategic targeting of skilled workers who may not have high CRS scores but are critical to Canadaâs workforce.
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Speak with an expertExpress Entry Trends in 2025
So far this year, IRCC has issued 33,429 ITAs through Express Entry. The majority of draws have focused on:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates (7 draws)
- French-language proficiency (3 draws)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (3 draws)
What This Means for Candidates
- Education professionals have a huge advantageâthe 479 CRS cut-off is one of the lowest in recent months.
- Healthcare workers face steeper competition, with CRS requirements rising.
- PNP and French draws remain highly competitive, with CRS scores often above 700 for PNP and around 400 for French.
Processing Times and Next Steps
Express Entry remains the fastest way to get Canadian permanent residency, with most applications processed within six months after receiving an ITA. Candidates who arenât invited within a year can resubmit their profiles if they qualify.
Need help?
This weekâs draws show IRCCâs continued focus on filling labour gaps in key sectors. For education professionals, this is a rare opportunityâlower CRS requirements mean more candidates can qualify. Healthcare workers, while still in demand, will need higher scores to stand out.
Our team has helped hundreds of Express Entry candidates obtain permanent residence in Canada. You can contact our experts here. Keshav Sharma (RCIC) leads our team, which has many years of experience as a Canadian immigration consultant. We will stay with you throughout immigration and help you obtain permanent residency.
With more category-based draws expected in 2025, candidates should stay updated on CRS trends and prepare their profiles accordingly.
