Maple News reports that on August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in the latest Express Entry draw. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this round was 534—16 points higher than the previous CEC-specific draw held on July 8, which invited 3,000 candidates.
This marks a shift in selection patterns, as CEC draws had been less frequent earlier this year. The rise in the CRS cutoff suggests intensified competition among CEC applicants, as overall ITA numbers remain comparatively moderate.
Just a day before, on August 6, IRCC held a targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 225 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS of 739. PNP candidates typically require higher scores due to the additional points awarded for provincial nominations.
In total, 29 Express Entry draws have been conducted in 2025 so far, including eight focused on the Canadian Experience Class. Other targeted draws this year have included streams for French language speakers, healthcare and social services workers, and individuals in education-related occupations. To date, 50,628 ITAs have been issued via Express Entry in 2025, following a total of 98,903 invitations in 2024.
Historically, Express Entry rounds have been instrumental in Canada’s immigration strategy. In 2021, IRCC set a record by issuing 114,431 invitations—focused exclusively on CEC and PNP candidates—largely to address pandemic-era backlogs and support skilled workers already in Canada.
Successful candidates in this draw now have a 60-day timeframe to submit their complete permanent residence applications. IRCC aims to process most submissions within its standard six-month period.
The Canadian Experience Class stream is designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience, making it an efficient pathway for temporary residents seeking permanent residency. It continues to be a key component of Canada’s immigration system, especially in attracting talented individuals already contributing to the local economy.
Employers looking to retain international talent are encouraged to consider supporting candidates through Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or provincial nomination programs to facilitate long-term integration into the Canadian workforce.
According to Maple News, the evolving trends in Express Entry indicate that while competition is rising, targeted draws continue to play a strategic role in aligning workforce needs with immigration policy.