Surprise Express Entry Draw Brings Lowest CEC CRS Cut-Off of 2025
In an unexpected move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, resulting in the lowest CRS cut-off score seen for this category in 2025.
The draw issued a significant number of invitations, offering renewed hope to skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s labour market.
Key Highlights of the Latest CEC Draw
IRCC issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. To qualify for this round of invitations, applicants were required to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 515
- An Express Entry profile created before 6:58 p.m. (UTC) on September 9, 2025
This CRS threshold marks the lowest cut-off for any CEC draw in 2025, reflecting IRCC’s continued focus on applicants with Canadian work experience.
Why This Draw Matters
The Canadian Experience Class is designed for foreign nationals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada. By lowering the CRS cut-off, IRCC has expanded access to permanent residence for workers who may have previously fallen just short of selection.
This draw also reinforces the federal government’s broader strategy of transitioning temporary residents—especially international graduates and foreign workers—into permanent residents, helping stabilize Canada’s workforce and support economic growth.
Express Entry Activity in December
This CEC draw marks the fifth Express Entry round held in December, following:
- A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on December 15
- A healthcare and social services draw on December 11
- The largest Canadian Experience Class draw in over a year on December 10
The pace of draws in December highlights IRCC’s increased year-end activity and commitment to meeting annual immigration targets.
Express Entry Trends in 2025
Throughout 2025, Express Entry selections have largely focused on candidates aligned with Canada’s labour market priorities. Provincial Nominee Program draws have dominated overall selection rounds, followed closely by Canadian Experience Class invitations.
In addition to CEC and PNP candidates, IRCC has consistently issued invitations to applicants with French-language proficiency and those working in priority occupations such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades.
Invitations Issued So Far This Year
As of this latest draw, IRCC has issued 111,998 Invitations to Apply through the Express Entry system in 2025.
The distribution of draws this year reflects the following focus areas:
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Education and skilled trades
Among these, the highest number of invitations has gone to French-speaking candidates and Canadian Experience Class applicants.
What This Means for Candidates
For workers currently in Canada, this draw sends a strong signal that Canadian experience continues to be highly valued. Candidates with CRS scores previously considered borderline may now find themselves competitive, particularly if IRCC continues issuing large-volume CEC draws.
Those with active Express Entry profiles are encouraged to keep their information updated, especially work experience, language scores, and employment status, as future draws may follow a similar pattern.
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