Express Entry
Canada Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest CEC Express Entry Draw
Canada continues to open its doors to skilled workers already living and contributing within the country. On June 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the CEC Express Entry Draw.
This draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521 and to have submitted their profile before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024.
If you’re a foreign national already working in Canada and dreaming of becoming a permanent resident, this is encouraging news. The CEC draw is once again making it easier for eligible candidates to transition from temporary to permanent status.
What Makes the CEC Express Entry Draw Special?
After a period of limited CEC activity, this draw is the first back-to-back week of CEC selections since early February 2025. That’s significant.
Here’s why this moment matters:
- Regular CEC draws had paused for months as IRCC focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and category-based draws (like healthcare and French language).
- The latest draw matches the earlier February 5 draw in terms of CRS cut-off score (521), but today’s draw indicates a potential trend of renewed focus on CEC applicants.
- Larger draw sizes like this one (3,000 ITAs) suggest that the government may be aiming to meet immigration targets by prioritizing those already integrated into Canadian society.
This is a clear sign that the CEC program remains a strong pathway to permanent residence for people who have work experience inside Canada.
Quick Snapshot: Express Entry Draws in 2025
Below is a brief summary of recent draws for a better picture of where the CEC stands this year:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Score Cut-off |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
While PNP draws continue to dominate in frequency, the Canadian Experience Class remains a vital route, particularly for those who’ve already settled and contributed to the Canadian workforce.
Why the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Matters?
The CEC stream is designed for skilled workers who already have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job and want to become permanent residents.
Key Benefits of the CEC Pathway
- No requirement for a job offer
- Faster processing times (as little as 6 months)
- Ideal for international students and temporary foreign workers who have adapted to Canadian culture and work environments
Real-World Example
Raj, an IT consultant from India, completed his studies in Canada, gained two years of work experience, and entered the Express Entry pool in April 2025. Thanks to this draw, he received his ITA and is now on track to become a permanent resident, all without leaving the country.
What’s Next for Express Entry in 2025?
So far this year, IRCC has issued 41,845 invitations through the Express Entry system. While category-based and PNP draws continue to play a major role, the return of larger CEC draws could signal a strategic shift.
According to industry experts, we may see:
- Continued focus on high-demand sectors (healthcare, tech, and education)
- More consistent draws for CEC candidates
- Gradual lowering of CRS cut-offs if the number of profiles rises steadily
Canada’s need for skilled workers continues to grow, and the Express Entry system remains a flexible tool for adjusting to labour market needs. That means the Canadian Experience Class will likely continue to offer a welcoming path for those already working and living in Canada.
A Promising Outlook for CEC Candidates
If you’re already gaining valuable work experience in Canada, this latest CEC Express Entry draw is a strong reminder of the positive and practical pathway to permanent residency. With 3,000 invitations issued and a fair CRS score requirement, many professionals now have real hope for settling in Canada long-term.
The Canadian Experience Class not only recognizes the talent and contribution of workers already in the country, it makes the transition to permanent residency more accessible than ever. Stay prepared. Keep your Express Entry profile up-to-date. And remember, your Canadian journey might be closer to becoming permanent than you think.
