Latest Express Entry CEC Draw: 5,000 Invited, CRS Drops to 515
Express Entry: IRCC Issues 5,000 ITAs in Latest Canadian Experience Class Draw
- IRCC held a surprise Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, inviting 5,000 candidates
- The minimum CRS score required was 515 — the lowest for a CEC draw in 2025
- This marks the second CEC draw in two weeks, bringing the total to 11,000 ITAs
- More frequent draws and lower cut-offs may signal a shift in Express Entry strategies
- Total ITAs issued so far in 2025 have reached nearly 112,000
- CEC and French-language proficiency categories continue to dominate the ITA distribution
Canada’s Express Entry system has seen another exciting development! On December 16, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) surprised many with its fifth draw of the month — this time inviting 5,000 candidates through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.
This draw is particularly noteworthy because it featured the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for a CEC draw in all of 2025. Let’s dive into what happened, how it affects current and future applicants, and what it might mean for Canada’s immigration trends moving forward.
What Happened in the December 16 Express Entry Draw?
In this latest round, IRCC issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to CEC candidates who had a minimum CRS score of 515. To be eligible, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:58 p.m. (UTC) on September 9, 2025.
This is a significant drop from previous CRS cut-offs for CEC draws earlier this year, which often hovered in the 520–530 range. For example, just a few days earlier, on December 10, the CEC draw had a cut-off score of 520, even though 6,000 ITAs were issued — the highest number in over 16 months.
With this new low score, many hopeful immigrants currently in Canada may have a better shot at receiving an invitation, especially those with Canadian work experience and moderate CRS scores.
Why This Draw Stands Out
Traditionally, IRCC holds Express Entry draws every two weeks. However, December has broken that pattern. This is already the second CEC-specific draw in just seven days, and the fifth Express Entry draw this month. Here’s a quick look back:
- December 10: 6,000 CEC candidates invited (CRS: 520)
- December 11: 3,500 candidates in healthcare and social services occupations (CRS: 462)
- December 15: 777 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates (CRS: 699)
The frequency and volume of ITAs in December suggest that IRCC is trying to meet or exceed year-end immigration targets. With 111,998 ITAs issued so far in 2025, the Express Entry system is proving to be more active and dynamic than ever.
How Does This Affect Express Entry Candidates?
If you’re already in the Express Entry pool, this draw could be a good sign — especially if you’re a CEC candidate. The lower CRS cut-off means more candidates with mid-range scores now have a shot at being invited. Those who narrowly missed earlier cut-offs may now be above the threshold.
And if you haven’t entered the pool yet, there’s never been a better time to get your profile ready. With draws happening more frequently and CRS scores fluctuating, having your application in early gives you an edge.
Check your CRS score with our free calculator and see how competitive your profile is today!
CEC Still a Key Focus Alongside French and PNP Draws
In 2025, IRCC has been emphasizing targeted immigration through various draw types. Here’s a quick breakdown of draw types and how many times each has occurred this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 23 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 15 |
| French-language proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare and social services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
And when it comes to the number of ITAs issued by stream, CEC and French-language candidates are in the lead:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued in 2025 |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 36,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,775 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
What Could This Mean Going Forward?
This December’s flurry of activity could mean a few things:
- End-of-year targets: IRCC may be ramping up efforts to meet immigration quotas before 2025 wraps up.
- Increased focus on CEC: The return of more consistent CEC draws suggests a renewed focus on candidates already living and working in Canada.
- Lower CRS thresholds: Future draws may continue to favour candidates with scores in the low 500s, especially if draw sizes remain large.
If you’re a skilled worker in Canada or thinking of applying through Express Entry, this could be the perfect moment to act. Especially for those who may also qualify under a Provincial Nominee Program like the Manitoba PNP, your chances could be even better when combined with an Express Entry profile.
Final Thoughts
With 2025 coming to a close, IRCC’s latest draw gives many hopeful immigrants something to celebrate. From increased draw frequency to lower CRS cut-offs, the Express Entry system is showing more flexibility and opportunity than we’ve seen in months.
Whether you’re already in the pool or considering making the leap, keeping your profile updated and competitive is key. These changes could open the door for thousands more in the weeks ahead.
Curious where you stand? Take the first step and check your Express Entry score today to see if you’re draw-ready!
Stay tuned for more updates as IRCC continues to shape Canada’s immigration landscape — we’ll be right here to walk you through it, one draw at a time.
