Canada’s Express Entry system has made headlines again. On July 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This CEC Express Entry draw saw a record-low CRS cut-off score of just 518, creating new opportunities for thousands already working in Canada.
This draw follows months of consistent CEC-focused invitations, making it clear that Canada is rewarding skilled individuals with Canadian work experience.
Why the CEC Stream Is Leading Express Entry in 2025
The CEC Express Entry draw is a signal that Canada is actively prioritizing candidates who are already contributing to its workforce. By targeting workers with local experience, IRCC is tapping into proven talent, people who know the Canadian job market and can integrate smoothly into the economy.
IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 outlines a target of over 124,000 permanent residents via Express Entry in 2025. With nearly half of all invitations this year going to CEC candidates, this stream has become the most promising route for skilled workers currently living in Canada.
CEC Draw Details: July 2025
| Date | Program | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
With a consistent stream of CEC draws, IRCC has issued over 45,000 ITAs in 2025 alone, many of them through this stream.
Who Qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class?
To benefit from the CEC Express Entry draw, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada within the last 3 years (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- Language Proficiency:
- TEER 0 or 1: CLB 7
- TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5
- Admissibility: No criminal or medical ineligibility
- Valid Express Entry Profile: Score depends on age, education, work experience, and language ability
Tip: Higher language test scores and longer Canadian work experience can significantly improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Received an ITA? Here’s What to Do Next
Once selected in the CEC Express Entry draw, it’s important to act fast and accurately:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Accept the ITA within 60 days through your IRCC portal
- Collect documents, such as:
- Valid passport
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (if needed)
- Proof of Canadian work (T4s, job letters)
- Police certificates, medical exam
- Submit the PR application
- Pay fees: CAD 1,365 per adult (as of 2025)
- Track application: Processing usually takes 6 months for CEC candidates
Once approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you’re already in Canada, the landing process can be done online. If outside, your status activates at the port of entry.
Take Advantage of the CEC Express Entry Draw Momentum
The CEC Express Entry draw held on July 8, 2025, is a strong signal that Canada is backing its current workers. With a record-low CRS of 518, this is a prime time for skilled professionals to strengthen their Express Entry profiles. If you’re already in Canada with work experience, don’t wait. Boost your language results, ensure your documents are accurate, and be ready for the next draw. The door to permanent residency is wide open, walk through it with confidence.
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