On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of May 2025, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This draw was the inaugural selection under the newly introduced Education Occupations category, marking a significant development in Canada’s immigration strategy.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we help corporations, individuals, and families navigate Canada’s immigration pathways with confidence. Here is what you need to know about the latest draw and how it may affect your immigration strategy.

Key Highlights from the May 1, 2025 Draw

• A total of 1,000 candidates received ITAs.
• Five National Occupational Classification (NOC) unit groups were considered.
• The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 479.
• In the event of a tie at the lowest score, IRCC used the tie-breaking rule based on the date and time of profile submission.

The CRS cut-off score of 479 is notably lower than the 2025 average of 609, indicating a more inclusive selection process in this Express Entry draw. This development is particularly beneficial for candidates with experience in education-related occupations, as it opens a new pathway to permanent residence.

Who Benefits from the Education Occupations Category?

This category targets professionals in five educational capacities, specifically:

• Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202);
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100);
• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221);
• Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203); and,
• Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220).

Understanding the CRS and Its Implications

The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Factors such as age, highest level of education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability contribute to a candidate’s CRS score. A higher CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an ITA. The introduction of category-based draws allows IRCC to select candidates with specific skills and experience that align with Canada’s labour market needs.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Draws

The inclusion of the Education Occupations category in the Express Entry draw reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing labour shortages in the education sector. It is anticipated that future draws will continue to prioritize candidates with experience in high-demand occupations, including healthcare, trades, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Candidates in these sectors are encouraged to ensure their profiles remain up to date and accurately reflect their qualifications and work experience.

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Assist You

Our experienced immigration team understands the nuances of the Express Entry system. If you have experience in education-related occupations and are interested in applying for Canadian permanent residence, we provide personalized guidance to enhance your application. Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or just beginning your immigration journey, we provide strategic advice tailored to your goals.

We assist with:

• Evaluating your eligibility for Express Entry pathways.
• Optimizing your Express Entry profile to increase your CRS score.
• Preparing and submitting complete and compliant applications.
• Representing you throughout the process to avoid delays or refusals.

Take the Next Step

If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada, Express Entry could be your key to success. Let Zohil-Morton Law help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence. We are here to help you take the next step toward achieving Canadian permanent residence.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, an experienced and trusted immigration lawyer, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca.