Latest CEC Express Entry Draw: 1,000 ITAs Issued by IRCC
IRCC Issues 1,000 Invitations to Apply in Latest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class
- IRCC held an Express Entry draw targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
- 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued with a minimum CRS cut-off of 533
- Applicants needed to have submitted their profiles before October 17, 2025
- 2025 has seen 82,223 total ITAs issued so far across various draw types
- CEC and French-language candidates account for the majority of invitations this year
- PNP remains the most frequent draw type with 21 rounds held in 2025
The Canadian immigration landscape continues to evolve, and this month brought more good news for Express Entry hopefuls. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hosted another draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream — extending 1,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.
Let’s break down what this draw means, who was invited, and how it fits into the broader 2025 Express Entry trends.
Details of the Latest CEC Draw
On October 28, 2025, IRCC invited 1,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class stream. To receive an ITA in this round, candidates needed to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 533 or higher. In addition, profiles had to be submitted before 3:39 a.m. UTC on October 17, 2025.
As part of Canada’s commitment to invite skilled workers with Canadian experience, draws like this one play a crucial role in helping temporary residents make the transition to permanent status.
Express Entry Draw Activity in 2025: A Busy Year
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 82,223 invitations to apply across multiple Express Entry categories. The draws have been dynamic, reflecting Canada’s targeted approach to filling labour market gaps in key sectors.
Here’s a quick overview of how many draws have taken place by category:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 21 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 12 |
| French-language proficiency | 7 |
| Healthcare and social services | 5 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
As you can see, while PNP draws are the most frequent, the CEC category remains a significant pathway for those already living and working in Canada.
Who’s Receiving Invitations?
Let’s take a closer look at how those 82,223 ITAs are distributed among the major draw categories:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued to Date |
|---|---|
| French | 36,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 23,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 9,792 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7,963 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
The numbers clearly highlight how IRCC is focusing heavily on Francophone candidates and individuals with Canadian work experience — a nod to the government’s goal of boosting settlement success and supporting bilingualism in communities across the country.
How This Draw Compares to Previous Rounds
October was a particularly active month for Express Entry, with three different draws happening back-to-back in the final week. These included:
- October 29: French language proficiency draw with 6,000 ITAs (CRS 416)
- October 28: CEC draw with 1,000 ITAs (CRS 533)
- October 27: PNP draw with 302 ITAs (CRS 761)
And in early November, a PNP-specific draw on the 10th issued 714 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 738.
This pattern shows how IRCC is alternating between general program draws and more category-based rounds — a strategy that helps address both immediate labour shortages and long-term demographic goals.
What This Means for You
If you’re a candidate in the Canadian Experience Class or have strong French-language skills, 2025 has been a promising year. But competition is still tight — with recent CRS cut-offs for CEC draws hovering around 530 or higher, it’s more important than ever to ensure your profile is as competitive as possible.
Looking to improve your score or better understand your eligibility in the current system? You can check your CRS using our Express Entry points calculator or see where you stand with specific provincial streams like the Manitoba PNP.
Final Thoughts
IRCC’s ongoing draws highlight a strong intent to welcome skilled workers through various pathways, especially those who are already contributing to Canada’s economy. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or building your experience here through CEC, there are more options than ever to make your Canadian dream a reality.
Keep an eye on future Express Entry rounds, stay up to date with your CRS score, and be proactive in improving your profile where you can!
Thinking about applying or want to know if you’re competitive? Click here to assess your Express Entry profile.
