Express Entry
IRCC Holds Latest CEC Express Entry Draw #351, Inviting 3,000 Candidates With CRS 529
On June 12, 2025, Canada’s immigration department, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), rolled out another express entry draw #351 under its Express Entry system; this time targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. A total of 3,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to profiles with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 529, provided they submitted their Express Entry profiles before 6:06 p.m. UTC on September 28, 2024.
This draw is especially noteworthy as it signals a renewed focus on in-Canada candidates. After a noticeable slowdown in CEC-specific draws earlier in the year, many were unsure about IRCC’s direction. But with this latest development, hopeful applicants now have renewed confidence in Canada’s plans to retain talent already living and working here.
Express Entry Draw #351 – What This Matters for CEC Applicants
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program offers a direct route to permanent residence for individuals who have gained skilled work experience within Canada, usually international graduates on PGWPs or foreign workers on closed or open work permits.
This draw carries weight for several reasons:
- It’s the first CEC-focused round under the new Immigration Minister’s leadership.
- It reflects Canada’s ongoing goal to transition temporary workers into permanent residents, reducing reliance on overseas candidates.
- It marks the fifth CEC draw of 2025, showing renewed momentum after a slow start to the year.
So far, 38,342 ITAs have been issued under the Express Entry system in 2025. CEC candidates now hold a significant slice of this total.
CEC Draw Statistics (2025 So Far)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 10 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The gradual rise in CEC rounds suggests IRCC may be rebalancing its strategy, especially as permanent residence targets remain high and most temporary residents are already integrated into Canadian life.
Why Choose the CEC Pathway?
The CEC program is often seen as one of the most accessible immigration streams for those who are already in Canada. Here’s why it remains so attractive:
- No Proof of Settlement Funds: CEC applicants are not required to show settlement funds, unlike other Express Entry programs.
- Higher CRS Boosts: Canadian work experience earns more CRS points, improving chances of selection.
- Fast PR Processing: Most successful CEC candidates receive permanent residence within six months.
- Labour Market Advantage: CEC applicants have already adapted to Canadian work culture, giving them a significant edge in post-PR job success.
Data from IRCC and Statistics Canada shows that immigrants with prior Canadian experience tend to earn more and settle faster than newcomers without local experience.
Missed This Draw? Here’s What Might Have Happened
Didn’t receive an invitation this round? Let’s look at possible reasons:
- Ineligible Work Experience: The draw specifically targeted candidates under the CEC. If your experience didn’t match, you wouldn’t qualify.
- CRS Score Below 529: While this cut-off is high, it’s still achievable, especially with strong language scores.
- Tie-breaking Rule Applied: If you entered the pool after the cut-off timestamp (6:06 p.m. UTC, Sept 28, 2024) with the same CRS, you were unfortunately excluded.
What You Can Do to Increase Your CRS Score
To stay competitive in future CEC draws, consider these proven strategies:
- Retake Language Tests: Boosting your IELTS/CELPIP or TEF scores can dramatically raise your CRS.
- Gain Additional Work Experience: More Canadian experience (especially full-time) means more points.
- Apply for PNP: A provincial nomination adds 600 points, guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. However, PNP streams are becoming highly competitive, and some are even pausing intake. So always have a backup option.
Will CEC Draws Become More Frequent? Next CEC Draw Prediction
IRCC hasn’t officially confirmed if the return of large CEC draws will be consistent, but immigration experts are optimistic. For Canada to meet its in-Canada immigration goals, we’ll likely see more frequent rounds inviting 3,000–4,000 CEC candidates.
As of now, the Canadian Experience Class is once again in the spotlight, and that’s a promising sign for thousands of temporary residents hoping to settle permanently.
For many, the Canadian Experience Class remains the most reliable path to permanent residence. With this latest Express Entry draw #351, CEC applicants have more reason to feel hopeful. If your score didn’t make the cut, there’s still time to improve. Whether it’s boosting language results or exploring a PNP route, your dream of staying in Canada is still within reach. Stay tuned for updates on the next CEC draw and make sure your profile is optimized to take full advantage of what Canada’s immigration system offers.
