Maple News reports that on September 3, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw exclusively targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534 — identical to the previous CEC-focused draw held on August 7.
The September 3 draw followed a smaller, targeted round on September 2, in which 249 invitations were issued under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). That selection required a higher minimum CRS score of 772 due to the additional points awarded to provincial nominees.
As of now, IRCC has held 34 Express Entry rounds in 2025, including nine draws specifically for CEC candidates — reflecting Canada’s ongoing commitment to attracting talent with Canadian work experience. In total, 57,069 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry so far in 2025, following a total of 98,903 in 2024, and 110,266 in 2023. The upward trend in invitations underscores Canada’s long-term vision of economic growth driven by skilled immigration.
The September 3 draw also implemented IRCC’s tie-break rule, set for candidates who submitted profiles on or before August 14, 2025, at 4:28 AM EST. This ensures fairness in cases where multiple candidates have the same CRS score.
Encouragingly, CEC draws continue to provide valuable opportunities for foreign nationals with Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residency. Candidates who received an invitation must submit their complete applications within 60 days. IRCC aims to process most applications within six months under the Express Entry service standard.
Looking at recent Express Entry activity, IRCC has diversified its draws to include candidates with French language proficiency, education background, healthcare experience, and other in-demand sectors. This targeted approach helps align immigration selection with Canadian labour market needs.
Employers hoping to hire foreign workers are advised to consider supporting them through Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or Provincial Nominee Programs to enhance long-term recruitment outcomes.
With Canada continuing to pursue skilled talent, individuals are encouraged to improve their CRS scores through employment offers, educational credentials, and language proficiency. Each step significantly increases the chances of receiving an ITA in future draws.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on Express Entry and other Canadian immigration pathways as the country evolves its newcomer strategy in response to demographic and economic priorities.