Canada Issues 3,000 ITAs in Latest CEC Express Entry Draw
IRCC Issues 3,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry CEC Draw: What It Means for Canadian Immigration in 2025
Key Highlights
- IRCC held a new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw on June 12, 2025
- 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued with a minimum CRS score of 529
- This marks the first large CEC-targeted draw under Canada’s new Immigration Minister
- CEC candidates are not required to provide proof of settlement funds when applying for PR
- Express Entry draws in 2025 have focused heavily on PNP, French language, and sector-specific candidates
- So far, 38,342 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry this year
A Closer Look at Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw for CEC Candidates
On June 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its latest Express Entry draw, specifically targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. A total of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in this round, marking a significant move back to larger draws for candidates with Canadian work experience.
To receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 529 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:06 p.m. UTC on September 28, 2024.
This draw is the fourth Express Entry round of June and the first major CEC-focused invitation round under Canada’s newly appointed Immigration Minister. It’s a promising sign for temporary residents and international graduates who are hoping to transition to permanent residency through pathways like the CEC.
How Many ITAs Have Been Issued in 2025 So Far?
As of this draw, IRCC has issued a total of 38,342 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025. While many of these invitations have gone to candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a substantial number have also gone to those applying under the CEC, French-language proficiency, and other priority categories.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Express Entry draws held so far in 2025:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 10 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 5 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
Why the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Stands Out
If you’re already living and working in Canada, the CEC is one of the most efficient and accessible immigration pathways available. Designed to help international students and temporary foreign workers make the leap to permanent residency, the CEC offers several key advantages.
1. Faster Processing Times
CEC candidates often see their permanent residence applications processed in as little as six months. That’s much faster than many other immigration programs.
2. No Settlement Funds Required
Unlike candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), CEC applicants are not required to show proof of settlement funds. This can significantly ease the financial burden of applying.
3. CRS Boost for Canadian Experience
Having Canadian work experience gives you a competitive edge in the Express Entry pool. Your time spent working in Canada can add valuable CRS points, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
4. Strong Labour Market Outcomes
Various studies, including those from IRCC and Statistics Canada, have shown that immigrants with prior Canadian experience tend to integrate more successfully into the labour market. Thanks to their local experience, education, and social networks, many CEC immigrants thrive—some even outperforming Canadian-born workers in certain sectors.
5. A Win-Win for Canada and Immigrants
From a national perspective, the CEC helps Canada address its labour shortages while supporting long-term demographic and economic growth. For immigrants, it offers a smoother transition into Canadian life, backed by real-world experience and community connections.
Recent Express Entry Trends and What to Expect
The June 12 CEC draw follows other recent draws focused on PNP candidates and specific occupational categories like healthcare and social services. Here’s a quick snapshot of this month’s activity:
- June 2: PNP draw, 277 ITAs, CRS cut-off 726
- June 4: Healthcare/social services draw, 500 ITAs, CRS cut-off 504
- June 10: PNP draw, 125 ITAs, CRS cut-off 784
- June 12: CEC draw, 3,000 ITAs, CRS cut-off 529
It seems IRCC is maintaining a balanced approach—issuing invitations across multiple categories rather than focusing on one stream alone. This suggests that while PNP and occupation-specific draws remain prominent, there’s still strong support for CEC candidates.
If you’re considering applying through a provincial route, you can explore options like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which points-based selection system is ideal for skilled workers with ties to the province.
Final Thoughts: Is Now a Good Time to Apply through the CEC?
Absolutely. If you’re already in Canada as a temporary worker or recent graduate, this is a great time to consider applying through the CEC stream. The latest Express Entry draw shows that IRCC is still committed to supporting individuals with Canadian experience—and the faster processing times, no settlement fund requirement, and higher CRS scores make the CEC an attractive option.
That said, competition in the Express Entry pool remains strong. With a CRS cut-off of 529 in the latest draw, it’s essential to optimize your profile to improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Check How Competitive Your Express Entry Profile Is
If you’re exploring provincial options, don’t forget to check out our page on the Manitoba PNP for more tailored opportunities.
Let’s keep your Canadian dream moving forward—one step at a time.
