Canada Conducts First Education-Focused Express Entry Draw in Four Months, CRS Cut-off Falls
Toronto, September 17, 2025 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has resumed education-focused Express Entry draws after a four-month gap, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the education category.
This draw marks a significant shift, as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score dropped to 462, a notable decrease from the previous education draw in May 2025, which required a CRS of 479.
The September 17 draw is only the second-ever education-specific round in Express Entry’s history, signaling IRCC’s growing emphasis on international graduates and candidates with Canadian educational credentials.
Key Details of the September 17 Education Draw
- Number of ITAs issued: 2,500
- Category: Education
- CRS cut-off: 462 (down from 479 in May)
- Profile creation deadline: Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before July 9, 2025, at 4:24 a.m. UTC.
- Significance: Largest-ever education draw, both in size and lower cut-off score.
Comparison of Education Category Draws
| Date | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | 1,000 | 479 | First-ever education draw in EE history |
| Sept 17, 2025 | 2,500 | 462 | Second draw; larger intake & lower score |
Recent Express Entry Draw Trends (September 2025)
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 17, 2025 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| Sept 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| Sept 4, 2025 | French-language | 4,500 | 446 |
| Sept 3, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| Sept 2, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
Express Entry Invitations in 2025 So Far
- Total ITAs issued in 2025: 59,797
- Draws distributed across:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 17 draws
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 9 draws
- French-language proficiency: 5 draws
- Healthcare & Social Services: 4 draws
- Education: 2 draws
Why This Draw Matters
- The education category recognizes candidates who studied in Canada, boosting their pathways to permanent residency.
- A larger intake and reduced CRS cut-off means more international graduates stand a chance of securing an ITA.
- IRCC continues balancing draws across multiple categories—PNP, French, healthcare, CEC—while ensuring skilled workers with Canadian education are prioritized.
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