First Express Entry Draw of May 2025 Sent 1,000 PR Invitations
On May 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month.
1,000 invitations to apply for permanent residency were issued.
This is the first round that is specifically targeting candidates eligible under the newly introduced education category. Candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 479 or higher were invited. Let us cover the full details of the latest draw, the CRS score distribution in the pool, and also a few tips to improve your CRS scores.
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Full Details of the Express Entry Draw
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 |
Full List of Occupations Eligible 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 |
IRCC Removes Job Offer Points from Express Entry System
In March, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) eliminated Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers within the Express Entry system.
Previously, a valid job proposal from a Canadian employer could contribute between 50 to 200 CRS points
This offers a notable edge in the selection process. With this policy shift, candidates can no longer rely on employer-backed points.
They need to focus on core human capital factors such as education, language skills, and work experience to stay competitive.
The change may feel like a setback for those who counted on job-offer points, but it could be an opportunity for genuinely skilled candidates. It is a game-changer for those who were disadvantaged by the misuse of fraudulent job offers.
Understanding the Express Entry System: A Step-by-Step Guide
Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system transformed the way Canada determines economic immigrants, offering a streamlined and merit-based process. Let’s take a look at how the process unfolds:
- Create Your Profile
Qualified candidates submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI), furnishing details on their education, work experience, language proficiency (English and/or French), and other essential qualifications. - Receive a CRS Score
Applicants are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns a score out of 1,200 based on core factors like age, education, language skills, and work history. Extra points may be granted for a provincial nomination, strong French proficiency, or other credentials. - Join the Express Entry Pool
Once submitted, your profile enters the Express Entry pool, where it’s ranked against other candidates. - Wait for a Draw
IRCC conducts regular draws, every two weeks, and sets a CRS cut-off score. If your score satisfies or surpasses the threshold, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. - Apply for Permanent Residency
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application. IRCC aims to process most applications within six months.
How to Improve Your CRS Score for the Next Express Entry Draw
Let’s take a look at a few effective measures one can take to boost your CRS scores.
- Maximize Language Test Scores
Strong results on English (IELTS or CELPIP) or French (TEF or TCF) language tests can earn you 160 points.
You should consider retaking the test to improve your scores.
- Gain Additional Work Experience
Extra years of skilled work experience can help you increase your CRS scores by 10 to 50 points. - Pursue Higher Education
Upgrading from a bachelor’s to a master’s or PhD can add 15 to 30 points. - Learn French
A basic French language skill will help you earn up to 30 additional points if English is your primary language, and if you acquire fluency, it might lead to a bonus of up to 50 points. - Secure a Valid Job Offer
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation can contribute between 50 to 200 CRS points.
Apply for a Provincial Nomination
Obtaining a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the most impactful boost, which will be worth 600 points.
