CEC Express Entry Draw Returns with 547 Cut-Off, Just 500 ITAs Issued
In its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw since February, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued just 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on May 13, 2025. However, hopeful applicants were met with a steep challenge—the cutoff Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score soared to 547, marking the highest required score for CEC candidates this year.
This draw follows a three-month pause in CEC-specific invitations, and though its return is a welcome signal, the limited number of invitations suggests IRCC is still being selective amid broader immigration recalibration.
Draw Highlights – May 13, 2025
- Program Targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Date of Draw: May 13, 2025
- Minimum CRS Score: 547 (highest of 2025 so far)
- Number of ITAs Issued: 500
- Tie-breaking Date and Time: May 21, 2024, at 17:26:27 UTC
- Eligibility Ranking: Only candidates ranked 500 or above were selected
The high score is attributed to the backlog of eligible candidates in the pool and the relatively small number of invitations issued, especially after the previous large CEC draw on February 5 that invited 4,000 candidates.
CRS Score Breakdown in Express Entry Pool as of May 13, 2025
Here’s how many candidates are in each CRS score bracket:
| CRS Range | Candidates in Pool |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 28 |
| 501-600 | 22,435 |
| 491-500 | 12,429 |
| 481-490 | 12,704 |
| 471-480 | 16,641 |
| 461-470 | 16,691 |
| 451-460 | 15,276 |
| 401-450 | 69,673 |
| 351-400 | 53,684 |
| 301-350 | 22,069 |
| 0-300 | 8,452 |
| Total | 250,082 |
How to Increase Your CRS Score in 2025
With high cutoffs like 547, candidates need to make strategic improvements to their profiles. Here are top methods to boost your score:
1. Improve Language Test Scores
- Retake IELTS or TEF to hit CLB 9 or higher
- Can add up to 136–150 points
2. Gain More Skilled Work Experience
- Especially in TEER 0–3 occupations
- Up to 100 points for Canadian experience
3. Pursue Further Education
- Master’s or PhD can bring up to 135 points
- Ensure ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) is done
4. Secure a Provincial Nomination
- Adds a guaranteed 600 points
- Look into Ontario, Alberta, BC, and others
5. Leverage Your Spouse’s Profile
- Their language and education can contribute up to 40 points
Summary of CEC Draws in 2025 (So Far)
| Date | Program | ITAs Issued | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
Looking Ahead Under New Leadership
This draw coincides with the appointment of Lena Metlege Diab as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, also announced on May 13, 2025. With her prior success in Nova Scotia’s immigration initiatives, candidates are hopeful that IRCC may expand future CEC draws and ease cutoffs under her leadership.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
