Canada’s Express Entry system is picking up speed, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates are finally receiving long-awaited attention. In its second latest Express Entry draw #353 of the week, held on June 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to CEC candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. To qualify, candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024.
This back-to-back draw for CEC applicants suggests a potential shift in Canada’s 2025 selection strategy, especially as such consecutive selections for this stream have been rare throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know.
Latest Express Entry CEC Draw #353 Brings Hope for In-Canada Applicants
On June 26, 2025, IRCC held its sixth Express Entry draw of the month. It targeted only Canadian Experience Class candidates — individuals who already have work experience in Canada.
Key requirements for this draw:
- CRS Score Cut-off: 521 points
- Profile Submission Deadline: Before 3:56 p.m. (UTC), November 21, 2024
This is the second CEC-only draw in June, suggesting that IRCC may be revisiting its earlier focus on international graduates and skilled professionals already living in Canada.
Express Entry Draw Trends: June 2025 Recap
Let’s take a quick look at this month’s draw data to understand where the system is headed:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
So far in 2025, 41,845 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued under Express Entry. While PNP draws continue to dominate, CEC draws are clearly gaining traction again.
Why CEC Draws Matter More Than Ever
The Canadian Experience Class stream is a lifeline for many who’ve already invested time, energy, and skills in Canada.
It serves:
- International graduates with Canadian work experience
- Temporary foreign workers who want to transition to PR
- Skilled workers who have adapted to Canada’s labour market
By focusing more on in-Canada applicants, the government ensures that people already contributing to the economy are prioritized for permanent residence. This strategy reflects the c, which places strong emphasis on smoother transitions from temporary to permanent status.
Will This Trend Continue? What to Expect Next
Recent back-to-back CEC draws could point toward more regular selection rounds. Though not guaranteed, here’s what we can reasonably expect based on the data and IRCC’s communications:
Predicted Express Entry Draw Dates for July 2025
- CEC Draws: July 9–10, July 23–24
- PNP Draws: July 7, July 21
- Category-Based Draws: Healthcare and Trades – anytime
Categories Likely to Dominate
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare & skilled trades
Due to reduced PNP quotas for 2025 (down from 120,000 to 55,000), we may also see provinces negotiating for more allocations. Newfoundland and Labrador has already taken steps in this direction.
Why the Canadian Experience Class Still Matters
The return of the large Canadian Experience Class draws offers much-needed optimism for workers already settled in Canada. While nothing is certain with IRCC’s schedule, the current momentum could mean more frequent and sizable draws like the latest Express Entry draw #353 for CEC candidates. For those building a life in Canada through study or work, now may be one of the best times to keep your profile updated and stay ready.
At ImmigCanada, we’ll continue tracking every draw and every policy update that affects your journey. And we’re here to help you prepare for your next step, towards permanent residence and beyond. Need help with your Express Entry profile? Get expert guidance from immigration professionals who stay ahead of every change.
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