Express Entry 2025: Who’s Receiving ITAs Under Canada’s New Education Category?

Canada’s Express Entry system has introduced a significant change in 2025, now actively prioritizing applicants from the education sector. With this newly introduced category-based draw, education professionals now have a competitive edge in securing Canadian permanent residence (PR).

This blog explores the latest updates, eligibility benchmarks, and real-life examples to help you understand who’s getting Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and how you can prepare your Express Entry profile to maximize your chances.

What Is the New Education Category in Express Entry?

In February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a new Education stream under its category-based Express Entry draws. The first draw under this stream was held on May 1, 2025, where 1,000 ITAs were issued to education professionals with a minimum CRS score of 479.

Who Qualifies Under This Category?

Applicants working in key education roles such as:

• Educational assistants

• Early childhood educators

• Secondary school teachers

• Special needs instructors

• College instructors

Real-World Use Case: Christina Navarro's Success Story

Let’s explore a fictional profile that illustrates how someone can succeed under this new draw:

Profile Summary:

• Name: Christina Navarro

• Age: 26

• Country: Philippines

• Canadian Education: 2-year diploma in Educational Support

• Canadian Work Experience: 2 years as an educational assistant

• English Language Proficiency: CLB 9

• CRS Score: 480

Score Breakdown:

• Age: 110 points

• Education: 128 points

• English Proficiency: 124 points

• Canadian Experience: 53 points

• Skill Transferability (CLB 9 + diploma): 50 points

• Study in Canada Bonus: 15 points

• Total CRS: 480

✅ Result: Christina received an ITA in the May 1 Education category draw.

Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025

Insight: Among all draws, the Education category featured one of the lowest CRS thresholds, making it highly accessible for eligible candidates.

How You Can Increase Your CRS Score

Boost Your Language Proficiency

Language proficiency can contribute up to 310 CRS points for a sole applicant. For example:

Amy's Case Study:

• CRS before CLB 9: 515

• CRS after scoring CLB 9: 559

• Gain: +44 points, which helped her qualify for a CEC draw

Tips to Improve Language Test Scores:

1. Study daily with a structured routine

2. Join conversation or book clubs

3. Enroll in immersion programs

4. Take full-length practice tests

5. Use official CELPIP or IELTS prep materials

Role of PNP & CEC in Express Entry 2025

Though the Education category is new, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) continue to dominate the draw landscape.

✅ Real-Time Insights:

• PNP draws remain the top category with 8 rounds in 2025

• CEC has seen 4 draws so far, with competitive cut-offs

• French-speaking candidates benefit from lower CRS scores, with some draws going as low as 379

What to Expect with Canada's New Immigration Minister

The appointment of Lena Metlege Diab as the new Immigration Minister signals upcoming policy shifts. Expected directions include:

• Stabilizing PR targets to 1% of the population by 2027

• Enhancing francophone immigration

• Expanding the Global Talent Stream (GTS)

• Managing study and work permit volumes

Final Thoughts: How to Position Yourself for Express Entry Success

The 2025 changes to Express Entry make now the best time for education professionals, CEC applicants, and language-savvy candidates to build or update their Express Entry profiles.

Key Takeaways:

• Get your language test scores (CLB 9 or higher)

• Invest in Canadian education or experience

• Check your eligibility for Education category draws

• Stay updated on PNP and CEC invitations

Want to Know Your Eligibility?

✨ Use our free Express Entry evaluation tool and see where you stand for the Education, CEC, or PNP pathways.

Still unsure? Book a personalized consultation with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and start your PR journey with expert guidance!