IRCC Invites 3,000 Canadian Experience Class Applicants in Major Express Entry Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues its strong momentum in 2025 by issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry system.
The latest draw, conducted on June 12, marked a notable return to larger-scale CEC-focused rounds—an approach previously common throughout 2024 but less frequent in early 2025. This draw also represents the first major CEC-specific round under Canada’s newly appointed Immigration Minister.
CRS Cut-Off Score for CEC Draw Set at 529
To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates were required to:
- Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 529
- Have submitted their Express Entry profile prior to 6:06 p.m. UTC on September 28, 2024
The relatively high CRS cut-off reflects the competitive nature of the Express Entry pool and the increasing number of high-scoring candidates, particularly in the Canadian Experience Class.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025: Breakdown So Far
As of June 12, IRCC has issued 38,342 ITAs across a variety of Express Entry categories. This includes draws focused on:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- French-language proficiency
- Priority occupations, such as healthcare, social services, and education
Here’s a quick snapshot of 2025’s Express Entry draws so far:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | PNP | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | PNP | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | PNP | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
CEC Draws: A Gateway to Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers
The Canadian Experience Class is a key pathway for international students and temporary foreign workers who have already acquired work experience in Canada. It reflects IRCC’s strategy to retain talent that has already demonstrated their ability to integrate successfully into Canadian society and the labour market.
Key Benefits of CEC Pathway:
- No settlement fund requirement: CEC candidates do not need to prove financial resources to qualify.
- Faster processing times: Many CEC applicants receive permanent residence within six months.
- Higher CRS scores: Canadian work experience contributes to a higher CRS ranking.
- Strong employment outcomes: Research shows CEC immigrants often outperform native-born Canadians in employment and income metrics due to their local experience and networks.
CEC vs. Other Express Entry Streams in 2025
Here’s a summary of the Express Entry draws by category so far this year:
| Stream | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 10 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
This data underscores IRCC’s ongoing prioritization of PNP candidates while still leveraging the CEC stream to fill key roles across Canada’s economy, especially in regions with labour shortages.
Looking Ahead: What This Draw Means for Applicants
This draw signifies IRCC’s confidence in Canadian Experience Class candidates as a reliable solution to meet Canada’s long-term labour needs and population growth objectives.
For those already working or studying in Canada, this is a clear reminder of the advantage local experience provides in the permanent residency process.
With immigration targets remaining high, future Express Entry rounds are expected to continue focusing on candidates with Canadian experience, French-language skills, and those in priority sectors.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
