Latest Express Entry Draws for Education and Healthcare Occupations

IRCC has been busy this week, issuing back-to-back invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. The latest draws targeted two key sectors—education and healthcare, with a big drop in CRS scores and a significant advantage for education professionals.

Written & reviewed by Keshav Sharma, RCIC #R530203, Founder, ELAAR Immigration Consulting Inc.Last reviewed: October 20264 min read

Healthcare Draw Sees Highest CRS Cut-Off Yet

On May 2, IRCC conducted its first healthcare and social services draw of the year, inviting 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 510. Since category-based draws began, this draw marked the highest CRS requirement for a healthcare-specific selection.

This draw followed IRCC’s expansion of the healthcare category in February 2025, which added several social services occupations. The high CRS cut-off suggests intense competition, likely due to the growing demand for skilled workers in these fields.

First-Ever Education Draw Offers Major CRS Drop

One day earlier, on May 1, IRCC made history by holding its first-ever Express Entry draw for education professionals. 1,000 ITAs were issued, with a surprisingly low CRS cut-off of 479, far below recent healthcare and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.

This draw is a game-changer for teachers, instructors, and other education workers, as it offers a much more accessible pathway than other categories. The lower CRS requirement means many candidates who may have struggled in general draws now have a clear advantage.

Why the Big Difference in CRS Scores?

The gap between the healthcare (510) and education (479) highlights IRCC’s shifting priorities. While healthcare remains in high demand, the new education category was introduced to address labour shortages in schools and training institutions across Canada.

The lower CRS cut-off for education suggests:

• Less competition in this new category (fewer candidates compared to healthcare or French proficiency).
• Urgent hiring needs in education are prompting IRCC to cast a wider net.
• Strategic targeting of skilled workers who may not have high CRS scores but are critical to Canada’s workforce.

This week’s draws show IRCC’s continued focus on filling labour gaps in key sectors. For education professionals, this is a rare opportunity—lower CRS requirements mean more candidates can qualify. Healthcare workers, while still in demand, will need higher scores to stand out.

Our team has helped hundreds of Express Entry candidates obtain permanent residence in Canada. You can contact our experts here. Keshav Sharma (RCIC) leads our team, which has many years of experience as a Canadian immigration consultant. We will stay with you throughout immigration and help you obtain permanent residency.

With more category-based draws expected in 2025, candidates should stay updated on CRS trends and prepare their profiles accordingly.