Big Win for CEC Candidates: IRCC Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-specific Express Entry draw on July 8, 2025, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
What makes this draw stand out? The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score dropped to 518—the lowest cut-off score for CEC since September 2024, giving thousands of inland candidates a golden opportunity to secure their Canadian dream.
Who Was Eligible?
To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to:
- Have a minimum CRS score of 518
- Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 1:48 a.m. UTC on October 2, 2024
This draw is part of IRCC’s broader strategy of alternating between Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and CEC draws, allowing skilled workers with Canadian experience to transition into permanent residents.
Express Entry Activity So Far in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 8 | CEC | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | PNP | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | CEC | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | PNP | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | CEC | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | PNP | 125 | 784 |
So far this year, 45,201 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry.
Emerging Patterns: A Focus on In-Canada Talent
This year, IRCC has focused heavily on the following candidate groups:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 12 draws
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 draws
- French-language proficiency: 3 draws
- Healthcare and social services: 2 draws
- Education category: 1 draw
The alternating PNP and CEC draws since mid-May suggest a consistent and strategic selection pattern, allowing in-Canada temporary residents—especially international graduates and skilled workers—greater access to permanent residency pathways.
Why This Matters
The recent drop in the CRS cut-off score is encouraging news for inland applicants, particularly for those with Canadian education or work experience. With the federal government’s increased emphasis on in-Canada transitions to PR in 2025, now is the perfect time for eligible CEC candidates to ensure their Express Entry profile is up to date.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
