Canadian Immigration Update: 1,000 CEC Invited in Oct. 1 Draw
Express Entry Update: 1,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates Invited in October 1 Draw
Canada continues to welcome skilled workers through its Express Entry system, and the most recent draw on October 1, 2025, was no exception. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.
This draw marks the 10th CEC-specific invitation round this year and follows the trend of consistent monthly draws for experienced workers already living and working in Canada. Let’s take a closer look at what this draw means, and how it fits into the wider immigration landscape in 2025.
Key Highlights
- 1,000 invitations issued to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required: 534
- Eligible candidates needed to submit their Express Entry profile before February 21, 2025 at 4:01 a.m. UTC
- This is the third consecutive CEC draw with the same CRS cut-off and number of invitations
- So far in 2025, over 66,800 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry
- CEC, French-language, and PNP streams lead the way in ITAs issued
What Happened in the October 1 Draw?
The October 1 draw exclusively targeted candidates in the Canadian Experience Class, one of the three core programs under the Express Entry system. To qualify, candidates had to meet two key criteria:
- Have a minimum CRS score of 534
- Have created their Express Entry profile before 4:01 a.m. UTC on February 21, 2025
With this draw, IRCC continues its apparent monthly rhythm of inviting CEC candidates, a pattern that started back in August. It’s also the third draw in a row to issue exactly 1,000 invitations with the same CRS cut-off.
2025 Express Entry Trends So Far
As of early October, IRCC has issued a total of 66,838 ITAs across various Express Entry draws in 2025. These draws are increasingly focused on specific categories or occupations, in line with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities.
Here’s a breakdown of draw types conducted this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 18 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 10 |
| French-language proficiency | 5 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
Which Streams Are Leading the Way?
Interestingly, French-language proficiency draws have seen the highest number of ITAs so far, followed closely by CEC candidates. This highlights Canada’s commitment to promoting bilingualism and retaining skilled workers already living in the country.
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued to Date |
|---|---|
| French | 25,500 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 21,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 7,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6,947 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
How Does This Impact Aspiring Immigrants?
If you’re living in Canada with work experience under a valid permit, the CEC stream could be your golden ticket to permanent residency. With monthly draws and consistent CRS requirements, now might be the right time to update your profile or submit one if you haven’t already.
And if your score is just shy of the recent cut-offs, don’t lose hope! Small changes—like improving your language test scores or completing another year of work experience—can boost your CRS score significantly.
Other Recent Draws You Should Know About
The October 1 CEC draw follows several other targeted draws held in September:
- September 29: PNP draw with 291 ITAs and a sky-high CRS cut-off of 855
- September 18: Trade occupations draw with 1,250 ITAs and a 505 CRS cut-off
- September 17: Education category draw with 2,500 ITAs and a 462 CRS cut-off
This variety of draws reflects Canada’s approach to attracting newcomers across key sectors to match labour market needs.
Have You Considered a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
If your CRS score isn’t competitive enough for regular Express Entry draws, you might want to explore options through the Manitoba PNP or other provincial streams. These programs can give you a much-needed boost—often up to 600 additional CRS points—massively improving your chances of receiving an ITA.
Final Thoughts
Canada continues to use the Express Entry system strategically, targeting candidates who fit the country’s economic and demographic needs. Whether you’re a French-speaking applicant, a tradesperson, or someone with years of Canadian experience, there’s a good chance that a draw could align with your profile in the near future.
Now’s the perfect time to evaluate your Express Entry profile, update your documents, and stay up-to-date on draw trends.
Check how competitive your Express Entry profile is
And if you’re unsure where to start or how to boost your score, we’re here to help. Whether it’s refining your profile, choosing the right provincial program, or preparing your documents—reach out today to get expert guidance on your path to Canadian permanent residency.
