Express Entry Update: 1,000 CEC Candidates Invited in New Draw
Canada Invites 1,000 Canadian Experience Class Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Key Highlights
- IRCC issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates on October 28, 2025
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 533
- This is the second CEC draw in October and the 11th CEC draw of 2025
- CEC draw sizes have consistently remained at 1,000 ITAs for the past four rounds
- Over 74,000 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry so far in 2025
- PNP and French-speaking categories lead in total invitations issued this year
IRCC Holds Another Canadian Experience Class Draw
Canada’s immigration department is continuing its steady pace of Express Entry invitations. On October 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 1,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category.
To be eligible for this round, candidates needed a **minimum CRS score of 533** and had to have submitted their Express Entry profile before **4:16 a.m. UTC on March 21, 2025**.
That puts this draw roughly in line with recent trends. Each of the last four CEC draws has invited 1,000 candidates, with CRS cut-offs hovering around 533–534.
CEC Draws Picking Up Momentum
What makes this draw noteworthy is that it’s the **second CEC-specific draw in October**—the first time since August that IRCC has held two CEC draws in a single month. The previous CEC draw was held on October 1 and required a CRS score of 534.
In total, this marks the **11th CEC draw of the year**, reflecting IRCC’s continued prioritization of candidates with Canadian work experience.
October’s Express Entry Activity at a Glance
October has been a jam-packed month for Express Entry. So far, there have been six draws, including:
- Two Canadian Experience Class draws (October 1 & 28)
- Two Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws (October 14 & 27)
- One draw focused on healthcare workers (October 15)
- One draw for French-speaking candidates (October 6)
Total Invitations in 2025 So Far
As of this most recent draw, **IRCC has issued 74,485 ITAs** through Express Entry in 2025. Draws have been spread across several categories, with the highest number of invitations going to candidates in:
- French language proficiency: 30,000 ITAs
- Canadian Experience Class: 22,850 ITAs
- Healthcare and social services: 9,792 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 7,249 ITAs
- Education stream: 3,500 ITAs
- Trade occupations: 1,250 ITAs
This breakdown shows a clear emphasis on both French-speaking applicants and those who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada through the CEC stream.
Express Entry Trends in 2025
Let’s take a closer look at the types of Express Entry draws IRCC has been conducting this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 20 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 11 |
| French-language proficiency | 6 |
| Healthcare and social services | 5 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
It’s clear that IRCC is using a more targeted approach in 2025, with category-based draws focusing on in-demand skills and sectors.
What Does This Mean for Express Entry Candidates?
If you’re a candidate with Canadian work experience, especially those already in the country on a work permit, CEC draws continue to offer a strong pathway to permanent residency.
However, **CRS scores for CEC draws remain high**, so it’s essential to ensure your profile is as competitive as possible. Factors like language proficiency, Canadian education, and provincial nominations can make a big difference.
Provincial Nominee Programs also remain a powerful option. If your CRS score is below the federal cut-offs, consider exploring nominations from provinces like Manitoba. For example, the Manitoba PNP offers a route to boost your CRS score significantly.
How to Prepare for Future Draws
Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or just starting your journey, here are some quick tips to boost your chances:
- Keep your profile up to date: Any new Canadian work experience, language test results, or education credentials should be added promptly.
- Consider a provincial nomination: PNPs can give you an extra 600 CRS points—enough to guarantee an ITA in most cases.
- Improve your language scores: Higher CLB scores can make a big impact, especially for CEC and French-speaking categories.
- Stay informed: Watch for trends in IRCC draws to identify which streams are being prioritized.
Final Thoughts
With IRCC issuing thousands of invitations each month across a variety of categories, 2025 continues to be a dynamic year for Canadian immigration. For CEC candidates, the path to permanent residency is clearly active—but competitive. If you’re planning to immigrate or already in the Express Entry pool, make sure your profile is in tip-top shape.
Want to find out how competitive your profile is right now? Use our score calculator to get an estimate and explore ways to improve your chances.
Check Your Express Entry Score
Let’s keep working toward your Canadian immigration goals—one step at a time. 🍁
