On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its fifth Express Entry draw of the month, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency under the Education Occupations category.
This was the second draw in 2025 targeting education-related roles, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score of 462, a significant drop of 17 points compared to the previous education-focused draw held on May 1, 2025.
Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration
The lower cutoff highlights IRCC’s growing focus on critical roles in the education sector, offering increased chances for qualified candidates.
Express Entry Draw Details – September 17, 2025
| Category | Education Occupations (Targeted) |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | September 17, 2025 |
| CRS Score (Lowest Ranked) | 462 |
| Number of Invitations | 2,500 |
| Rank Required to Receive ITA | 2,500 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | July 9, 2025 at 04:24:19 UTC |
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool (As of September 14, 2025)
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 220 |
| 501–600 | 24,870 |
| 451–500 | 71,427 |
| 491–500 | 12,341 |
| 481–490 | 12,555 |
| 471–480 | 15,569 |
| 461–470 | 16,158 |
| 451–460 | 14,804 |
| 401–450 | 74,178 |
| 351–400 | 52,883 |
| 301–350 | 19,978 |
| 0–300 | 8,074 |
| Total | 251,630 |
Eligible Occupations in the Education Category
This targeted category focuses on key roles that are essential to Canada’s education system. The eligible occupations include:
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100, TEER 3)
- Instructors of Persons with Disabilities (NOC 42203, TEER 2)
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202, TEER 2)
- Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers (NOC 41221, TEER 1)
- Secondary School Teachers (NOC 41220, TEER 1)
How the Express Entry System Works
The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration pathway for skilled workers. Here’s a brief overview of how it functions:
- Submit a Profile – Candidates provide details about education, work experience, language skills, and more.
- Receive a CRS Score – Profiles are ranked out of 1,200 points based on multiple factors.
- Enter the Pool – Eligible candidates are placed into the Express Entry pool.
- Wait for a Draw – IRCC holds regular draws and selects candidates who meet or exceed the CRS cutoff.
- Receive an ITA – Selected candidates have 60 days to submit a full permanent residency application.
- Application Processing – Most applications are processed within six months.
6 Ways to Improve Your CRS Score
If you missed the latest draw, use these proven strategies to enhance your profile:
- Retake Language Tests – Higher scores in IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF can add up to 160 points.
- Gain More Work Experience – Additional skilled work can contribute 10 to 50 points, depending on age and experience.
- Pursue Higher Education – Completing a master’s or PhD can boost your score by 15 to 30 points.
- Learn French – Even basic proficiency adds points, and fluency can provide up to 50 points if English is your first language.
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – A nomination adds 600 points, almost guaranteeing an ITA.
- Use the CRS Calculator – IRCC’s online tool helps identify ways to increase your score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most recent Express Entry draw?
The latest draw was on September 17, 2025. It targeted candidates in the education category and issued 2,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 462.
Will CRS scores go below 500 in 2025?
Yes. The September 17 draw had a CRS cutoff of 462. Category-based draws often have lower scores than general draws, which usually range from 490 to 510.
Can I get an ITA with a score of 470?
Yes. The September 17 draw proves that a score of 470 is competitive in targeted draws. Scores under 470 may also be selected depending on the category and demand.
Is a CRS score of 450 enough to get PR?
A score of 450 is generally too low for standard draws but may be sufficient for category-based selections. Improving your profile or securing a PNP nomination can significantly boost your chances.
What happens after receiving an ITA?
You will have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residency. IRCC processes most cases within six months.
Final Thoughts
IRCC’s continued focus on category-based draws offers new opportunities for education professionals and other in-demand occupations. With CRS scores dropping in these targeted draws, now is an excellent time to strengthen your profile.
Check your CRS score using the IRCC calculator, explore ways to improve it, and be ready for the next draw. Your path to Canadian permanent residency could be closer than you think.
