Canada Invites 1,000 CEC Applicants in New Express Entry Draw
IRCC Issues 1,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- IRCC issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw
- This draw targeted Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 531
- Only profiles submitted before October 8, 2025, at 7:02 p.m. UTC were considered
- CEC draws continue to play a key role in Canada’s immigration strategy in 2025
- Over 88,000 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry so far this year
Another Round of Invitations for CEC Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held yet another Express Entry draw, this time focused specifically on candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). On November 26, 2025, a total of 1,000 ITAs were issued to qualified candidates.
To be eligible, applicants needed to have a **Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 531** and must have submitted their Express Entry profile **before 7:02 p.m. UTC on October 8, 2025**.
This marks the latest in a series of draws aimed at candidates already established in Canada through work experience—making the CEC stream a popular and accessible pathway for temporary residents hoping to become permanent residents.
Express Entry Activity Heating Up in November
November has been a busy month for Express Entry draws. This CEC-focused draw follows on the heels of several other significant rounds, including:
- November 25: 777 PNP candidates invited with a CRS cut-off of 699
- November 14: 3,500 invitations issued in the healthcare and social services category (CRS cut-off 462)
- November 12: Another 1,000 ITAs for CEC candidates (CRS 533)
With five draws in November alone, it’s clear that the federal government is committed to maintaining momentum in meeting its immigration targets for 2025.
Express Entry by the Numbers – 2025 So Far
As of this latest draw, IRCC has issued a total of **88,476 Invitations to Apply** through the Express Entry system in 2025. Here’s how that breaks down by category:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 36,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 23,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
The high number of ITAs issued to French-speaking candidates and those under the CEC program reflects Canada’s broader immigration goals: welcoming skilled individuals who are already contributing to the economy and integrating into Canadian society.
CEC: A Key Component of Canada’s Immigration Strategy
The Canadian Experience Class offers a streamlined path to permanent residency for individuals who have already worked in Canada. It’s especially beneficial for international graduates and temporary foreign workers who’ve gained **at least one year of full-time skilled work experience** in Canada within the past three years.
Because these candidates are often already integrated into Canadian communities and workplaces, their transition to permanent residency tends to be smoother—making them a preferred group for immigration policymakers.
If you’re a CEC hopeful and curious about your chances, it’s a great idea to assess your CRS score and explore your potential eligibility through other streams like the Manitoba PNP or the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
How Competitive Is Your Profile?
The CRS cut-off for this draw was 531, which is higher than some other recent CEC draws. This suggests increasing competition, possibly due to more profiles in the pool or a narrower selection window.
To stand out in future draws, consider:
- Boosting your language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF)
- Completing additional education or obtaining Canadian credentials
- Gaining more skilled work experience in Canada
- Obtaining a provincial nomination, which can add 600 CRS points
Make sure your Express Entry profile is always updated and accurate. Even small changes—like retaking a language test or adding a new job—can significantly impact your ranking.
What’s Next for Express Entry?
As we approach the end of 2025, we can expect IRCC to continue its trend of category-based draws, alternating between PNP, CEC, and occupation-specific rounds like healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency.
There’s also been increased interest in regional immigration, especially through provincial nominee programs like the Manitoba PNP, which can provide a fast track to permanent residence for candidates with ties to the province.
Whether you’re already in Canada or still abroad, staying informed about draw trends and updating your profile regularly are the best ways to improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Final Thoughts
The latest Express Entry draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates is another sign that Canada remains committed to welcoming skilled immigrants who have already proven their ability to succeed here.
If you’ve got Canadian work experience, now’s a great time to evaluate your chances. Not sure where you stand? Use our free assessment tool to find out how competitive your profile is.
