Canada’s Express Entry system marked a pivotal moment this week as the country resumed issuing invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates—breaking a three-month pause. This development comes as a new immigration minister steps into office, setting the stage for a new era of policy direction.
Also Read 500 Candidates with Canadian Work Experience Invited to Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada
CEC Draw Returns After Months-Long Pause
On May 13, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first CEC-specific draw since February, inviting 500 candidates with in-Canada work experience to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible, candidates required a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 547 and needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 5:26 p.m. UTC on May 21, 2024.
This high cut-off score reflects IRCC’s targeted selection, likely influenced by efforts to manage intake volume while still recognizing candidates with Canadian labour market integration.
Express Entry Activity in 2025: A Strategic Breakdown
So far in 2025, Express Entry draws have been diverse in focus—ranging from provincial nominees and CEC candidates to those with specialized skills such as French proficiency or education and healthcare experience.
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 02 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 01 | 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 |
| Feb 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| Feb 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| Feb 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| Feb 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| Jan 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
With the latest round, IRCC has issued 34,440 total ITAs through Express Entry in 2025.
IRCC Draw Patterns Highlight Changing Priorities
So far this year, Express Entry selections have been dominated by Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, accounting for eight separate rounds. Meanwhile, CEC-specific rounds have occurred four times, and French-speaking candidates have been targeted in three draws. Specialized draws for sectors like education and healthcare were also introduced, showing IRCC’s intent to tailor immigration to specific labour market needs.
This pattern aligns with Canada’s broader immigration goals of attracting qualified professionals in areas of shortage while enabling provinces to select candidates based on regional demand.
Leadership Change: New Minister Signals Policy Recalibration
May 13 also marked the end of Rachel Bendayan’s tenure as Immigration Minister. Lena Metlege Diab, a seasoned politician with experience in both law and immigration advocacy, has been appointed to the role under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s latest cabinet realignment.
Her appointment could signal a shift in how Canada manages its immigration intake. The government has already hinted at several key policy objectives, including:
- Capping permanent resident admissions to 1% of the national population by 2027,
- Increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec,
- Enhancing the Global Talent Stream to draw high-value professionals, and
- Reducing temporary resident volumes, including international students and work permit holders.
Further direction is expected with the release of Minister Diab’s official mandate letter in the coming weeks.
Looking Forward: Policy and Program Evolution
With a fresh leadership team and active use of category-based selection, Canada is clearly transitioning toward a more focused, labour-driven immigration model. While Provincial Nominee Programs continue to play a dominant role, the return of CEC draws may offer hope to international graduates and workers already contributing to Canada’s economy.
As new policies take shape under Minister Diab’s leadership, applicants and stakeholders should prepare for continued evolution in eligibility thresholds, draw patterns, and immigration priorities.
