Largest CEC Express Entry Draw: Canada Invites 6,000 Applicants
IRCC Issues 6,000 Invitations in Largest CEC Express Entry Draw in Over 16 Months
- IRCC issued 6,000 ITAs in a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw held on December 10, 2025
- CRS cut-off dropped to 520, the lowest for CEC since July 2024
- This is the largest CEC draw since July 2024, breaking a five-draw gridlock of high CRS scores
- Express Entry draws in 2025 have focused on PNP, French-language, healthcare, and education categories
- Over 105,000 candidates have received invitations so far in 2025
- CEC candidates have received second-highest number of ITAs this year after French-language draws
Record-Breaking December Draw for CEC Candidates
In an exciting update for those looking to make Canada their permanent home, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. This draw, held on December 10, 2025, was exclusively for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
To qualify for this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 520 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 5:30 p.m. UTC on July 15, 2025.
This draw marks a big shift—it’s the largest CEC-specific draw we’ve seen in more than 16 months. The last time we saw numbers like this was back in July 2024. Even more notably, the CRS cut-off of 520 is a welcome drop from recent months, which saw consistent scores of 533 or 534 keeping many hopeful candidates on the sidelines.
A Year of Diverse Express Entry Invitations
IRCC has been busy this year. So far in 2025, 105,599 ITAs have been issued through the Express Entry system. The invitations haven’t just been limited to one group—IRCC has made an effort to target a variety of skill sets and language abilities to meet Canada’s evolving labour market needs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common draw types in 2025:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 22 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 14 |
| French-language proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare and social services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
CEC and French-Language Candidates Lead the Way
Among all the draw categories, CEC and French-language candidates have seen the highest number of ITAs this year:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued in 2025 |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 30,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
This data clearly shows the government’s commitment to selecting skilled workers who are already contributing to Canadian society—especially those with local work experience or French-language skills.
Why This Draw Matters
If you’re a CEC candidate who’s been holding out hope, this draw may be your sign to get back in the game. With the CRS threshold dropping and the number of ITAs increasing, there’s fresh momentum in the system.
It also signals a more balanced approach. While earlier in the year there was a heavier focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, IRCC seems to be spreading invitations across more categories, including CEC, French-language candidates, and those in priority occupations like healthcare and education.
Looking Ahead: What Can Express Entry Candidates Expect?
It’s hard to predict exactly what IRCC will do next, but if the recent trend continues, we could see more large draws targeting CEC or French-speaking candidates. The Canadian government is clearly looking to fill labour shortages efficiently and seems to value in-Canada experience and language skills highly.
If you’re in the Express Entry pool and didn’t get an invitation this time, don’t lose heart. It’s a dynamic system, and your chances can improve with a higher CRS score or a provincial nomination. Candidates considering exploring provincial options can check out tools like our Manitoba PNP Points Calculator to see where they stand.
Final Thoughts
This December 10 draw is a major step forward for Canadian Experience Class candidates. Not only did it offer a record number of invitations, but it also opened the door for candidates with slightly lower CRS scores.
With over 105,000 ITAs already issued this year and several more draws likely before year-end, there’s still time to make 2025 your year for Canadian permanent residence.
Wondering how competitive your profile is in the current Express Entry pool? Use our free tool to get a quick assessment and see where you stand:
Check Your Express Entry Score Now
And don’t forget to stay updated on the latest immigration news—we’ll keep you posted every time there’s a new draw or program update.
