Canada’s immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has conducted a new round of Express Entry invitations targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This draw, held on July 8, marks a significant development for aspiring immigrants, as the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required has dropped to the lowest level recorded for CEC candidates since September 2024.
Also Read Canada Invites 3,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw with Lower CRS Cut-Off
Details of the July 8 Express Entry Draw
In the latest draw, IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the CEC category. Candidates needed to meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Minimum CRS score: 518
- Profile submission deadline: Before 1:48 a.m. UTC on October 2, 2024
This draw follows a series of focused rounds aimed at attracting individuals with Canadian work experience—a group considered vital to supporting Canada’s labor market needs.
Express Entry Draws in 2025: At a Glance
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| 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 and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Trends in Express Entry Draws: What’s Changing in 2025?
So far in 2025, a total of 45,201 Invitations to Apply have been issued through the Express Entry system. The draw pattern continues to show a clear strategic approach by IRCC, balancing the needs of provincial partners and Canada’s priority sectors.
Here’s the breakdown by draw type:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 12 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 7 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and Social Work | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The recent draws indicate IRCC’s commitment to managing immigration through a combination of category-based selection and experience-focused draws, particularly emphasizing in-demand skills and sectors. The frequency of PNP and CEC draws every two weeks appears to have become the new norm in 2025.
Why This Draw Matters
This latest CEC draw is especially notable for its lower CRS requirement of 518—the most accessible threshold for CEC candidates in nearly 10 months. As IRCC seeks to attract candidates already integrated into Canada’s labor market, the Canadian Experience Class remains a crucial pathway for temporary residents transitioning to permanent status.
In contrast to category-specific draws focusing on French speakers or priority occupations, CEC draws remain open to all candidates with qualifying Canadian work experience, making them broadly appealing.
Next Steps for Candidates
If you received an ITA in this draw, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Ensure that all documents, including proof of Canadian work experience, language test results, and educational credentials, are ready to support your application.
For those who didn’t receive an ITA, monitoring draw trends and improving CRS scores through education, language tests, or gaining additional work experience may improve your chances in future rounds.
Final Thoughts
As Canada continues to adjust its immigration policies to match economic demands and demographic goals, the role of Express Entry remains central. With strategic, category-based draws and regular rounds for experienced workers already in the country, the Express Entry system continues to evolve, offering skilled workers multiple pathways to call Canada home.
Stay tuned for the next round of invitations and consult immigration professionals to better understand your options in the ever-changing immigration landscape.
