Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 1,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. The draw, which took place on August 7, 2025, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Only candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before 8:28 a.m. UTC on August 14, 2025, were considered.
The CEC stream targets skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience and are often well-integrated into Canadian society. This draw marks another strategic move by Canada’s immigration department to prioritize applicants likely to adapt quickly and contribute positively to the country’s economy.
This is the second Express Entry draw of September and follows several targeted category-based and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws in August. So far in 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 57,069 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across various Express Entry programs.
The breakdown of Express Entry draws this year highlights the ongoing importance of provincial nominations and category-based draws. IRCC has conducted 16 draws for the PNP, 8 for CEC candidates, 4 each for French-speaking applicants and those in healthcare and social services, and 1 draw for education professionals.
Recent draws have displayed a trend toward selecting candidates with specific skills or profiles, such as French language proficiency, healthcare experience, and provincial nominations — all in an effort to address labor shortages and demographic challenges across Canada.
The latest draw continues a pattern of high CRS score thresholds, particularly for CEC and PNP candidates. For context, earlier this year CEC draws saw CRS cut-offs as high as 547 and as low as 518. Compared to these past draws, the current cut-off of 534 sits on the higher end, reflecting continued competitiveness within the Express Entry system.
As Canada aims to meet ambitious immigration targets, the Express Entry system remains a vital tool for welcoming skilled newcomers. CEC invitations, in particular, demonstrate the government’s intent to retain talent already working and contributing to the country’s workforce.
Candidates hoping to receive future invitations are encouraged to regularly update their profiles and watch for changes in CRS thresholds, draw types, and targeted occupations.