Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest Express Entry draw, targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. To be eligible, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 529 and must have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 6:06 p.m. UTC on September 28, 2024.
This marks the fourth Express Entry draw of June 2025 and adds to the momentum of Canada’s skilled immigration strategy, which continues to prioritize candidates with domestic work experience. The CEC stream is designed for individuals who have already gained work experience in Canada, helping them transition smoothly to permanent resident status.
So far in 2025, Canada has extended a total of 35,342 ITAs through various Express Entry draws. The majority of these have targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, with 10 PNP-specific draws held this year. Canadian Experience Class draws have accounted for four rounds, French-language proficiency streams for three, healthcare and social services for two, and a single draw for candidates in the education field.
June has been an active month in particular. Before this recent draw, IRCC conducted a PNP draw on June 10, inviting 125 candidates with a high CRS score of 784, as well as a healthcare and social services draw on June 4, where 500 candidates were invited with a minimum score of 504. The month began with another PNP draw on June 2 involving 277 candidates.
Notably, CRS thresholds in recent CEC draws have tightened, with the June 11 draw requiring 529 points. For comparison, the previous CEC draw on May 13 had a threshold of 547, and the one before that on February 5 sat at 521. This variation suggests increasing competitiveness in the CEC stream, possibly influenced by higher applicant volumes and refined IRCC selection criteria.
The Express Entry system has evolved to support Canada’s economic needs by aligning immigration with labor market demands. Candidates in sectors facing persistent shortages—such as healthcare, education, and services—have benefited from targeted draws. French-speaking candidates have also seen continued support under the category-based draw approach introduced in 2023.
As the year progresses, IRCC is expected to continue using category-based selection to meet its annual immigration targets and balance regional labor market needs. For aspiring immigrants already living and working in Canada under temporary permits, the CEC stream remains a valuable pathway toward permanent residency.
Maple News will continue to monitor Express Entry trends and policy changes to keep readers informed about opportunities and shifts in Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.