CEC Express Entry Draw: 3,000 Invited with CRS 521 Cut-Off

Latest Express Entry Draw: 3,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates Invited with CRS Cut-Off of 521

• IRCC invites 3,000 candidates in latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw
• Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required: 521
• Candidates needed to have submitted their profile before November 21, 2024, at 3:56 p.m. UTC
• Sixth Express Entry draw held in June 2025
• Over 41,000 ITAs issued so far in 2025
• Most draws this year have focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants

Canada Issues 3,000 ITAs in Latest CEC Express Entry Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is keeping the momentum going with yet another Express Entry draw, inviting 3,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence. The draw, held on June 26, 2025, required a minimum CRS score of 521.

To qualify, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:56 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on November 21, 2024. This targeted draw marks the sixth Express Entry invitation round in June alone — a clear sign that IRCC is ramping up its efforts to welcome skilled workers already living and contributing in Canada.

So far in 2025, the Express Entry system has issued an impressive total of 41,845 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

What Is the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three key programs managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. It’s designed for skilled workers who already have work experience in Canada — an ideal pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who’ve built their lives here.

CEC candidates typically benefit from faster processing times and don’t need to show proof of settlement funds if they’re already in the country with a valid job or work permit.

Breakdown of Express Entry Draws So Far in 2025

IRCC has had a busy year managing a diverse mix of draws across several immigration categories. Here’s a quick look at the types of Express Entry draws conducted in 2025 so far:

As this table shows, the largest number of draws have been focused on PNP candidates — underscoring the importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration strategy. If you’re considering a provincial route, you may want to explore opportunities like the Manitoba PNP.

June 2025: A Month Full of Express Entry Activity

June has been a particularly active month for Express Entry draws. The June 26 CEC draw follows several others, including:

• June 23: 503 PNP candidates invited with a CRS cut-off of 742
• June 12: Another CEC draw inviting 3,000 candidates with a higher CRS cut-off of 529
• June 10: A smaller PNP round with 125 ITAs and a steep cut-off of 784
• June 4: 500 candidates selected from the healthcare and social services category

With six draws in June alone, it’s clear that IRCC is continuing to prioritize immigration as a core strategy to support Canada’s labour market needs and economic recovery.

CRS Trends: Is the Score Going Up or Down?

In recent months, we’ve seen a bit of fluctuation in CRS cut-off scores. For example, the CRS score in the June 12 CEC draw was 529, while the latest June 26 draw saw a slightly lower threshold at 521. Earlier in the year, some category-based draws — like French-language proficiency — had much lower cut-offs, even dipping to 379 in March.

This variance highlights the importance of staying informed about draw types and maintaining as competitive a CRS score as possible. If your score isn’t quite where it needs to be, it might be time to consider other pathways or strategies, such as improving language test results, gaining additional work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.

How to Know If You’re Competitive

Wondering how your profile stacks up in the current Express Entry landscape? You’re not alone. With CRS scores that can change from draw to draw, many applicants are unsure whether it’s the right time to apply or if they should wait and improve their profile.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use a CRS points calculator or get a professional assessment. You can check out our Express Entry profile assessment tool to see where you stand.

Final Thoughts: More Opportunities Ahead

The latest Express Entry draw is great news for those already working in Canada under temporary permits and hoping to make their stay permanent. With 3,000 more ITAs issued to CEC candidates and more draws likely on the horizon, now’s a great time to fine-tune your profile and keep an eye on upcoming rounds.

Whether you’re already in Canada or abroad, understanding how Express Entry works — and the different pathways like the Manitoba PNP — can help you plan your immigration journey more effectively.

Curious about your chances in the next draw? Get your Express Entry profile assessed and find out how you can boost your CRS score or qualify under a different stream.

Let’s make your Canadian dream a reality — one step at a time. 🍁