On May 1, 2025, IRCC held its first Express Entry draw of the month, inviting 1,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
This draw marks the first round of invitations aimed at profiles qualifying under the newly introduced education category.
Candidates who received invitations today had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479 or higher.
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Here are the full details of today’s Express Entry draw, including CRS score distribution, how Express Entry works, and tips on how to boost your CRS score for future draws.
Express Entry Draw Details
- Category: 5 Education Occupations
- Date and Time: May 1, 2025
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 479
- Total Invitations Issued: 1,000
- Rank Needed: 1,000 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: August 10, 2024, at 10:35:55 UTC
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 416 |
| 501-600 | 20,708 |
| 451-500 | 72,523 |
| 491-500 | 12,291 |
| 481-490 | 12,544 |
| 471-480 | 16,411 |
| 461-470 | 16,313 |
| 451-460 | 14,964 |
| 401-450 | 68,267 |
| 441-450 | 14,230 |
| 431-440 | 14,909 |
| 421-430 | 13,385 |
| 411-420 | 13,274 |
| 401-410 | 12,469 |
| 351-400 | 53,640 |
| 301-350 | 22,553 |
| 0-300 | 8,566 |
| Total | 246,673 |
Eligible Occupations for the Education Category
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors of Persons with Disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 41220 | 1 |
Job Offer Points Removed
In March 2025, IRCC removed the option to gain CRS points for a valid job offer, marking a significant change in the Express Entry system. Previously, candidates with a job offer from a Canadian employer could earn 50 to 200 points, providing a substantial boost in the competitive pool.
This shift is aimed at prioritizing skills over employer connections and reducing the incentive for candidates to buy job offers illegally. While this might be a setback for some, it could level the playing field and provide more opportunities for highly skilled candidates.
Understanding the Express Entry System
If you’re new to Express Entry, here’s a quick rundown:
- Create a Profile: Eligible candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online, outlining their skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency (in English and/or French).
- Get a CRS Score: Based on key factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills, your profile is assigned a CRS score out of 1,200. Bonus points can come from things like a provincial nomination or a Canadian job offer.
- Enter the Pool: Your profile joins thousands of others in the Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked against other candidates.
- Wait for a Draw: IRCC holds draws approximately every two weeks, setting a CRS score cutoff. If your score meets or exceeds the cutoff, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- Apply for PR: Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a full application. IRCC aims to process most applications within six months.
How to Boost Your CRS Score for the Next Draw
Didn’t make it in today’s draw? Don’t worry—another round will likely take place soon. Here are some ways you can improve your CRS score for the next draw:
- Improve Your Language Scores: Higher IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF/TCF (French) scores can add up to 160 points. Retake the tests if necessary—every point counts.
- Gain More Work Experience: Adding an extra year of skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad) can increase your score by 10-50 points, depending on your age.
- Increase Your Education Level: Earning a master’s degree or PhD could add 15-30 points over a bachelor’s degree. If you studied abroad, make sure your credentials are assessed via an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Learn French: If English is your first language, even basic French proficiency can earn you up to 30 bonus points. Fluency? You could get up to 50 points.
- Secure a Job Offer: A valid Canadian job offer in a skilled occupation could add 50-200 points to your CRS score, depending on the role.
- Get a Provincial Nomination: A provincial nomination is the golden ticket, adding 600 points to your CRS score, likely ensuring an ITA.
Pro tip: Use IRCC’s free CRS calculator to see where you stand. Small changes, like raising your IELTS score from 7.0 to 8.0—can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting for the next draw.
