Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw of 2025 on January 8, inviting 1,350 individuals to submit applications for permanent residency (PR). This event signifies the beginning of a hopeful year for skilled immigrants in Canada. The draw established a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score of 542, reflecting a 3-point rise from the previous CEC-specific draw conducted on November 19, 2024, which had a cutoff score of 539. 


The draw occurring today signifies the second instance within the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw conducted on January 7, which issued invitations to 471 candidates with a CRS score of 793.

Details of the Express Entry Draw

  • Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Number of invitations issued: 1,350

  • CRS Score: 539


IRCC issued a notably lower number of ITAs (2,561) in December, conducting fewer draws compared to November and October, during which over 5,000 ITAs were issued across six draws. Throughout the previous year, IRCC consistently adhered to a strategy of inviting candidates via Express Entry from the following programs and categories:


  • The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

  • The French-language proficiency category


In the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the department designated the majority of its landings via the Express Entry system to individuals already living in Canada, as well as to those who possess professional or linguistic abilities that correspond with the labor market and demographic goals of the country.


According to the Levels Plan, IRCC will emphasize candidates already in Canada through the "In-Canada Focus" allocation, which encompasses CEC and PNP candidates, with the possibility of inviting individuals from two additional Express Entry programs. Candidates who contribute to fulfilling labor market and demographic objectives will be prioritized under the "Federal Economic Priorities" allocation and will be selected through category-based invitations within the Express Entry system.


In 2025, the initiatives included in Express Entry are projected to constitute the most significant route for economic immigration to Canada. As outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, the IRCC aims to receive 124,590 new immigrants to Canada during this year.