Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has doubled down on its push to keep talent already living and working in the country. On 26 June 2025, the department issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, its second CEC-only draw in as many weeks and the sixth Express Entry selection of June.
Key Takeaways from Draw #353
A CRS cut-off of 521 represents an eight-point drop from the previous CEC draw on 12 June, signalling that IRCC may maintain or even expand to larger round sizes through the summer. Candidates who fall in the low-520 range should therefore monitor upcoming invitations closely.
Why This Draw Matters
Back-to-back CEC selections: Until early June, CEC-specific rounds had been sporadic in 2025. Two sizable draws in quick succession suggest a shift toward retaining workers who already have Canadian job experience and are well-positioned to integrate permanently.
Balancing provincial and federal needs: Although Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds have dominated the year, Ottawa appears eager to complement provincial targets with federal invitations that keep experienced candidates in the national talent pool.
CRS trendline: If draw sizes remain at 3,000 or higher, a gentle downward pressure on the CRS cut-off could continue—good news for those hovering just below today’s threshold.
Express Entry Draw Summary – 2025
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 41,845
This latest CEC selection may herald a more balanced draw calendar for the second half of 2025. If IRCC maintains bi-weekly CEC rounds at the 3,000-ITA level, workers with Canadian experience could enjoy steadier—and potentially less competitive—opportunities to secure permanent residence. Meanwhile, provinces retain ample scope to nominate candidates who address local labour shortages through the PNP stream.
For Express Entry candidates, staying CRS-ready and tracking draw patterns remains essential. Those within striking distance of today’s 521 cut-off should keep profiles up-to-date and ensure all supporting documents are in order: the next invitation could be just around the corner.
