Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the month on July 8, 2025, inviting 3,000 candidates through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. This draw marked the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off for CEC applicants since September 2024, set at 518.
Candidates eligible for this round were required to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before the tie-breaking date of October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC.
Draw Highlights: July 8, 2025
Draw Number: 356
Draw Date: July 8, 2025
Stream: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
ITAs Issued: 3,000
Minimum CRS Score: 518
Tie-breaking Rule: October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC
The July 8 CEC-specific draw follows a PNP-focused round held just a day earlier on July 7, where 356 candidates were invited with a CRS threshold of 750. The back-to-back format suggests IRCC's continued strategy of alternating between CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws to balance provincial needs and the integration of in-Canada skilled workers.
A Promising Shift for In-Canada Applicants
The cut-off score of 518 is a notable drop from the 521 recorded in the previous CEC draw on June 26, indicating growing opportunities for candidates with Canadian work experience. For many temporary foreign workers and international graduates already residing in Canada, the CEC stream remains a vital and more accessible route to permanent residency.
This is the seventh CEC draw of 2025, reflecting IRCC’s strong focus on candidates already contributing to the Canadian labour market.
Express Entry Draw Summary – 2025
2025 Express Entry Draws – Overview by Category
RCC has issued over 45,201 ITAs in 2025 through a variety of draw types:
Recent draw patterns show that PNP and CEC applicants remain the core focus of Canada's immigration efforts in 2025. Meanwhile, IRCC continues to hold occasional targeted category-based draws to address labour shortages in key sectors like healthcare, education, and French-language proficiency.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
The declining CRS cut-off for CEC draws is a positive development for candidates hovering in the low 510s or high 500s. Those aiming to boost their chances can consider enhancing their profiles by:
Improving language scores (IELTS/CELPIP)
Gaining additional Canadian work experience
Pursuing higher education credentials
Securing a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points
Looking Ahead
With alternating CEC and PNP rounds continuing into July, and over 45,000 ITAs already issued in 2025, IRCC appears committed to meeting its immigration targets through a balanced approach. Express Entry candidates are encouraged to keep profiles up to date, monitor draw patterns, and stay prepared for further rounds expected in the coming weeks.
