The draws in September highlight a clear trend: Canada is moving away from large, all-program draws and is instead using a more targeted, strategic approach to meet specific labor needs. For those in the Express Entry pool, this means that having a profile that qualifies for one of the category-based selection draws is an increasingly valuable asset.
If your occupation is on one of these lists or if you have strong French language skills, your chances of receiving an ITA could be significantly higher, even with a lower-than-average CRS score.
What This Means for Prospective Immigrants?
The month of September 2025 has been a busy and dynamic period for Canada’s Express Entry system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its strategy of holding targeted draws, focusing on specific in-demand occupations and categories to address labor shortages and economic needs across the country.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the recent draws, including the key occupations that received invitations.
September 18, 2025: A Focus on Skilled Trades
In a significant draw, IRCC issued 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Trade occupations (Version 2) category. This draw had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505, a clear signal of Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled tradespeople. This strategic focus aims to fill critical gaps in various sectors, from construction to manufacturing.
Eligible Occupations in the Trades Category:
- Construction Managers
- Home Building and Renovation Managers
- Plumbers, Gas Fitters, and Carpenters
- Welders and related machine operators
- Electricians (excluding industrial and power system)
- Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- Cooks
- Other key roles in construction and maintenance
September 17, 2025: Inviting Education Professionals
Canada also prioritized its education sector with a draw for Education occupations (Version 1). A total of 2,500 invitations were issued to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 462. This draw, which followed a previous one in May, shows a clear effort to bring in professionals who can strengthen the nation’s schools and learning institutions.
Eligible Occupations in the Education Category:
- Secondary School Teachers
- Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
- Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
Other Key Draws in September 2025
The month also featured several other important draws, offering pathways for candidates in various programs:
- September 15, 2025 (PNP Draw): A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw was held, with 228 invitations issued to candidates with a high CRS score of 746. This confirms that a provincial nomination remains a highly effective way to secure an ITA, as it adds 600 points to a candidate’s score.
- September 4, 2025 (French Language Proficiency): This draw targeted French-speaking candidates, with a low CRS score of 446 and a large number of invitations issued (4,500). This draw reinforces Canada’s commitment to supporting and growing its Francophone communities outside of Quebec.
- September 3, 2025 (Canadian Experience Class): A draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) saw 1,000 invitations issued to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 534. This draw is a testament to the value placed on foreign workers who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada.
We’re only 19 days into September 2025 with 11 more to go, so who knows what’s coming next? What we do know is that these back-to-back draws are a huge win for applicants, making their dreams a real possibility.
Stay updated on the draw at www.federpath.com. For details, call +91 9052350583.