Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw 387 on December 17, 2025, issuing 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This draw stands out as the most accessible CEC round of the year, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 515, the lowest cut-off recorded for CEC candidates in 2025.

To be eligible for Express Entry draw 387, candidates were required to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:58 p.m. UTC on September 9, 2025, in addition to meeting the CRS threshold. The draw marks the second consecutive CEC round in two weeks, signaling a notable shift in IRCC’s recent selection pattern.

Why Express Entry Draw #387 Is a Turning Point for CEC Candidates

Throughout much of 2025, Canadian Experience Class draws were limited in size and characterized by relatively high CRS cut-offs, often exceeding 530 points. Many candidates with solid Canadian work experience found themselves stuck just below the threshold.

Express Entry draw 387 breaks that trend in two important ways:

• It issued a high number of invitations at once
• It dropped the CRS cut-off to its lowest level of the year

Before this draw, the lowest CRS cut-off for a CEC round in 2025 was 518 points. The reduction to 515 points opens the door to thousands of candidates who narrowly missed earlier rounds.

Back-to-Back CEC Draws Signal Strategic Shift

Typically, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws on alternating weeks. However, December has deviated from that pattern. Within a short span, IRCC issued:

• 6,000 ITAs in a CEC draw on December 10
• 5,000 ITAs in Express Entry draw 387 on December 17

This means 11,000 CEC candidates received invitations in just two weeks. Such frequency is rare and suggests IRCC is actively prioritizing applicants with Canadian work experience as the year comes to a close.

This approach aligns with broader immigration goals focused on retaining talent already contributing to the Canadian labour market.

How Express Entry Draw 387 Fits into December’s Busy Schedule

Express Entry draw 387 was the fifth draw of December, following:

• A Provincial Nominee Program draw on December 15
• A healthcare and social services occupation draw on December 11
• The largest CEC draw in over 16 months on December 10

The sequence highlights IRCC’s multi-pronged selection strategy, balancing provincial needs, occupation-specific shortages, and pathways for temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence.

Express Entry in 2025: Key Numbers So Far

As of December 17, 2025, IRCC has issued 111,998 ITAs through the Express Entry system this year. Draws have been distributed across several categories, with a strong emphasis on provincial nominations and Canadian Experience Class candidates.

Number of draws by category in 2025:

• Provincial Nominee Program: 23
• Canadian Experience Class: 15
• French-language proficiency: 8
• Healthcare and social services: 6
• Education: 2
• Trade: 1

In terms of total invitations issued by stream:

• Canadian Experience Class: 36,850
• French-language proficiency: 42,000
• Healthcare and social services: 13,500
• Provincial Nominee Program: 9,775

These figures show that CEC candidates remain central to Canada’s permanent residence strategy.

What This Means for Candidates in the Express Entry Pool

Express Entry draw 387 delivers an important message to candidates with Canadian work experience: lower CRS scores can still be competitive when timing, draw size, and category alignment come together.

Candidates currently in the pool should:

• Ensure profiles remain active and accurate
• Review CRS components to identify possible improvements
• Monitor draw frequency closely, as December trends may carry into early 2026

Those who narrowly missed this draw may still benefit from continued CEC-focused rounds.

Express Entry draw 387 represents a significant moment for Canadian Experience Class applicants, combining a large number of invitations with the lowest CRS cut-off of 2025. The draw underscores IRCC’s renewed focus on candidates already established in Canada and highlights evolving selection dynamics as the year ends. For personalized Express Entry strategy, CRS optimization, or long-term immigration planning, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services provides expert guidance from the experienced RCIC in Canada.