Canada Invites 3,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw as CRS Drops to 518

IRCC Issues Another 3,000 ITAs in Canadian Experience Class Draw

On July 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its latest Express Entry draw, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This draw specifically targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program designed for skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 518, three points lower than the previous CEC-specific draw held on June 26, 2025. This marks a steady decline in CRS cut-off scores, down from 529 on June 12, 2025. The trend suggests Canada is expanding eligibility to invite more candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency.

A tie-breaking rule was also applied in this draw, prioritizing candidates who submitted their profiles by October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC. This ensures that applicants who met the CRS cut-off on or before this date were considered first.

What is the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class is one of three main programs under the Express Entry system. It is tailored for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have acquired skilled work experience in Canada. The program provides a pathway for these individuals to transition from temporary status to permanent residency, recognizing their contributions to the Canadian economy.

Why This Draw Matters

This is the third consecutive CEC-specific draw in which 3,000 ITAs have been issued. The consistent issuance of ITAs reflects Canada’s commitment to retaining skilled workers who are already integrated into the Canadian labour market. By targeting candidates with Canadian experience, the government aims to address labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and trades.

The focus on CEC candidates also aligns with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to welcome over 124,000 permanent residents through the Express Entry system in 2025. This plan emphasizes the importance of immigration in supporting Canada’s economic growth and demographic needs.

Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws

Express Entry draws in 2025 have alternated regularly between CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. This alternating approach allows Canada to balance its immigration strategy, inviting both skilled workers already in the country and those nominated by provinces to address regional labour needs.

The gradual decrease in CRS cut-off scores for CEC draws is a notable trend. This adjustment broadens the eligibility for candidates who may not have had the highest CRS scores but have demonstrated their ability to contribute to Canada’s workforce through their work experience.

Key Details and Implications of the July 8, 2025, CEC Draw

The July 8, 2025, CEC draw issued 3,000 ITAs to eligible candidates, maintaining the consistent volume of invitations seen in previous CEC-specific draws. This draw targeted candidates with a minimum CRS score of 518, marking a three-point decrease from the previous CEC draw on June 26, 2025, where the CRS cut-off was 521. This trend of lowering CRS scores reflects Canada’s efforts to broaden eligibility for permanent residency among skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.

CRS Cut-off Score Trend

Over the past few months, CRS cut-off scores in CEC draws have shown a steady decline. From 529 on June 12, 2025, to 521 on June 26, 2025, and now 518 on July 8, 2025, this downward trend indicates a strategic approach by IRCC to invite a wider pool of candidates with Canadian work experience. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for candidates who may not have the highest CRS scores but have demonstrated their ability to integrate into the Canadian labour market.

Tie-Breaking Rule Applied

In this draw, a tie-breaking rule was applied to manage candidates with the same CRS score. The rule prioritized candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC. This ensures a fair and consistent approach to selecting candidates, especially when multiple profiles have the same CRS score.

Alignment with Canada’s Immigration Goals

This draw aligns with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines Canada’s goal of welcoming over 124,000 permanent residents through the Express Entry system in 2025. By targeting CEC candidates, IRCC is focusing on retaining skilled workers who are already contributing to key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and trades. This approach not only addresses labour shortages but also supports Canada’s economic growth and demographic needs.

Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws

Express Entry draws in 2025 have followed a clear pattern, alternating between CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. This alternating strategy allows Canada to balance its immigration efforts, inviting both skilled workers already in the country and those nominated by provinces to address regional labour market needs. The consistent issuance of 3,000 ITAs in CEC-specific draws underscores the importance of retaining skilled workers who are already integrated into the Canadian workforce.

The gradual decrease in CRS cut-off scores for CEC draws is another notable trend. This adjustment broadens the eligibility for candidates who may not have had the highest CRS scores but have demonstrated their ability to contribute to Canada’s workforce through their work experience. By lowering the CRS threshold, IRCC is able to invite more candidates who are well-positioned to succeed in the Canadian labour market.

Conclusion

The July 8, 2025, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw underscores Canada’s commitment to inviting skilled workers who have already demonstrated their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. By issuing 3,000 ITAs and lowering the CRS cut-off score to 518, IRCC is broadening eligibility for permanent residency. This draw aligns with Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, emphasizing the importance of retaining skilled workers to address labour shortages and support economic growth.

The consistent issuance of ITAs in CEC-specific draws, coupled with the gradual decline in CRS scores, reflects a strategic effort to welcome more candidates with Canadian work experience. As Express Entry draws continue to alternate between CEC and PNP, Canada is balancing its immigration strategy to meet both national and regional labour needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of the July 8, 2025, CEC draw?

The July 8, 2025, CEC draw is significant as it continues Canada’s trend of inviting skilled workers with Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency. The issuance of 3,000 ITAs reflects Canada’s commitment to retaining talent that is already integrated into the Canadian labour market.

What CRS score was required for the July 8, 2025, CEC draw?

The minimum CRS score required for the July 8, 2025, CEC draw was 518. This represents a gradual decline in CRS cut-off scores, making it easier for more candidates with Canadian work experience to qualify.

What is the tie-breaking rule, and how does it work?

The tie-breaking rule prioritizes candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles on or before October 2, 2024, at 1:48:36 UTC. This ensures that applicants who met the CRS cut-off score on or before this date are considered first if multiple candidates have the same score.

Why is Canada focusing on CEC candidates in this draw?

Canada is focusing on CEC candidates because they are already contributing to the Canadian economy through their work experience. Retaining these skilled workers helps address labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and trades, while also supporting Canada’s economic growth and demographic needs.

What should I do if I received an ITA in this draw?

If you received an ITA in this draw, you should carefully review the eligibility criteria for permanent residency and prepare your application. Ensure all documents, including proof of work experience, language proficiency, and other requirements, are up to date and submitted within the 60-day deadline.

What’s next for Express Entry draws in 2025?

Express Entry draws in 2025 are expected to continue alternating between CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Candidates should stay updated on the latest CRS trends and ensure their profiles are complete and up to date to maximize their chances of receiving an ITA in future draws.