The draws in September 2025 confirm that Canada’s Targeted Express Entry Strategy is now fully in effect, signaling a definitive shift away from large, all-program draws. This strategic approach is designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to meet specific, critical labor needs. For those in the Express Entry pool, having a profile that qualifies for one of the category-based selection draws is an increasingly valuable asset for achieving Canadian Permanent Residence (PR).
If your occupation is on one of these in-demand lists (Skilled Trades, Education) or if you have strong French language skills, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) could be significantly higher, even with a lower-than-average Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
What This Targeted Strategy 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, which illustrate the success of Canada’s Targeted Express Entry Strategy.
September 18, 2025: A Focus on Skilled Trades for PR
In a significant Skilled Trades draw, IRCC issued 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Trade occupations category. This draw had a minimum 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 (Key NOCs):
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Construction Managers
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Plumbers, Gas Fitters, and Carpenters
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Welders and related machine operators
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Electricians (excluding industrial and power system)
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Cooks
September 17, 2025: Inviting Education Professionals
Canada also prioritized its education sector with a draw for Education occupations. A total of 2,500 invitations were issued to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 462. This draw shows a clear effort to bring in professionals who can strengthen the nation’s schools and learning institutions.
Eligible Occupations in the Education Category:
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Secondary School Teachers
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Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
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Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
Other Key Express Entry Pathways in September 2025
The month also featured several other important draws, reinforcing other major pathways to Canadian immigration:
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September 4, 2025 (French Language Proficiency): This draw targeted French-speaking candidates, with a large number of invitations issued (4,500) and an accessible CRS score of 446. This draw reinforces the government’s commitment to prioritizing Francophone immigration, offering a significant advantage to bilingual candidates.
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September 15, 2025 (PNP Draw): A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw confirmed that a provincial nomination remains the strongest route to an ITA, adding 600 CRS points (CRS score of 746).
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September 3, 2025 (Canadian Experience Class): A draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (CRS score of 534) showed the continued value placed on foreign workers who have already gained valuable Canadian work experience.
What we do know is that these back-to-back draws are a huge win for applicants, making their dreams of Canadian Permanent Residence a real possibility.
Stay updated on the draw and your eligibility for category-based selection at www.federpath.com. For details, call +91 9052350583.