Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the inaugural Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2025 through the Express Entry system.
The department has extended invitations to 1,350 candidates to submit their applications for permanent residence. The minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for participation in this draw was 542.
This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw that took place on January 7. In that draw, 471 candidates were invited with a minimum CRS score of 793. These draws signify a gradual increase in activity after a slow December during which fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued.
IRCC has issued fewer ITAs recently than in previous months. In December, the department issued only 2,561 ITAs, a noticeable decrease from November and October, when more than 5,000 ITAs were issued across six draws.
Last year, IRCC invited candidates from three categories via Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, enhanced PNP streams, and French-language proficiency. The latest Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes candidates living in Canada and those with in-demand skills.
The department’s updated allocation strategy centers on two main areas. Firstly, there’s the “In-Canada Focus” aimed at candidates living in Canada, especially through the CEC and PNP programs. Secondly, the strategy includes the “Federal Economic Priorities” allocation, prioritizing the invitation of candidates who possess critical skills.
Starting in 2025, IRCC will focus on three specific categories in its Express Entry draws: healthcare occupations, trades occupations, and proficiency in the French language. While the department has not indicated any plans to discontinue draws for other categories, these three will be given priority in the future.
Express Entry, established ten years ago, manages three economic immigration programs: the CEC, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Enhanced PNPs also nominate candidates through the Express Entry system.
IRCC introduced category-based selections in 2023 to invite candidates with specific skills or language abilities more selectively. This aligns with Canada’s labor market goals and demographic needs.
Express Entry is Canada’s main economic immigration pathway. The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan indicates that IRCC will welcome 124,680 immigrants this year via Express Entry. Candidates start by submitting their profiles. If eligible, they get a CRS score and become candidates.
Selected candidates receive an ITA and must submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days. Successful applicants gain Canadian PR status and can live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely.
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