Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week on June 26, this time targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A total of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, adding momentum to what could be a broader policy recalibration for skilled workers with Canadian experience.
This marks the sixth Express Entry draw in June alone and reflects a renewed emphasis on domestic talent already contributing to Canada’s workforce.
Also read Canada Issues Invitations for Canadian Experience Class in Latest Express Entry Draw
Draw Details and Eligibility
In the June 26 draw, CEC candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521 to qualify. To be eligible, candidates also had to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024.
The draw follows another CEC-focused round held on June 12, suggesting that IRCC may be returning to more frequent selection rounds for Canadian Experience Class applicants, after a months-long focus on other programs.
Comprehensive Summary: Express Entry Draws in 2025
The following table outlines the types of draws, number of ITAs, and CRS cut-off scores throughout the year so far:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
| 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 |
CEC Draws: A Possible Strategic Shift
The frequency and size of the most recent CEC draws stand out in contrast to the early months of 2025, where IRCC largely focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and category-based draws such as those for healthcare, education, and French-language proficiency.
Between February and May, only a few CEC draws were conducted, often with smaller quotas. This week’s back-to-back focus on the Canadian Experience Class — totaling 6,000 ITAs within just two weeks — may signal an effort by IRCC to better leverage candidates already integrated into Canada’s labour market.
Still, whether this pattern continues remains to be seen, as Express Entry draw strategies are often influenced by shifting economic needs and immigration targets.
Express Entry Overview So Far in 2025
As of June 26, IRCC has issued 41,845 ITAs through various Express Entry draws this year.
The distribution of draws in 2025 reflects a strategic balancing act among multiple priorities:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 11 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 6 |
| French-language proficiency | 3 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 |
| Education | 1 |
The current mix shows that PNP continues to dominate, but there is visible growth in CEC draw activity, particularly in June.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
For skilled workers in Canada with at least one year of Canadian work experience and strong language skills, the recent uptick in CEC draws presents a critical opportunity. The CRS cut-off for the latest round — 521 — remains high, but slightly lower than some earlier CEC draws this year, suggesting the potential for more competitive access moving forward.
Candidates are encouraged to keep their profiles updated and monitor draw trends closely. Having a high CRS score and eligibility under multiple categories (such as PNP or French language) can increase chances of selection.
Looking Ahead
With half the year behind us, IRCC may continue to alternate between category-based draws and CEC rounds to meet labour market demands and 2025 immigration targets. Whether this signals a long-term commitment to higher CEC quotas or just a mid-year adjustment will likely depend on future draw volumes, policy decisions, and Canada’s economic needs.
For now, this draw brings welcome news to many in Canada looking to transition from temporary to permanent residency under Express Entry.
