Canada Holds Second CEC Express Entry Draw of the Week — What It Means for PR Aspirants

Canada's Express Entry system is once again in motion, and this time it’s great news for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants. In the latest development, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a significant number of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to CEC candidates.

Let’s explore what this means, what trends are emerging in 2025, and how you can strategically position your Express Entry profile to increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

Key Highlights from the Latest Express Entry Draw

• Draw Date: June 26, 2025

• Stream: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Number of ITAs issued: 3,000

• Minimum CRS score required: 521

• Profile creation deadline: Before 3:56 PM UTC on November 21, 2024

This marks a renewed focus on CEC candidates, who have typically studied or worked in Canada, making them ideal permanent resident candidates under IRCC’s strategic priorities.

Express Entry Trends So Far in 2025

As of July 2025, IRCC has conducted 24 draws under different categories, issuing 41,845 total ITAs. The breakdown shows a strong focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and CEC categories, with emerging attention on category-based draws like healthcare and French-language proficiency.

Types of Draws in 2025:

This pattern indicates that while PNP draws remain dominant, CEC draws are gaining renewed attention — a positive signal for international graduates and temporary foreign workers currently in Canada.

Real-World Use Cases: How This Draw Impacts Applicants

International Graduate in Toronto

Raj, an international student who completed his Master’s in Ontario and worked full-time for a year, had a CRS score of 523. Until now, his profile remained untouched due to high CRS cut-offs in category-based or PNP draws. This new CEC draw finally gave him the ITA he was hoping for.

Healthcare Worker on a PGWP

Amandeep, a nurse working in Saskatchewan on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, was unsure if healthcare category draws would continue. Her CEC profile, with a CRS of 522, became eligible in this draw — allowing her to apply for PR directly through her Canadian work experience.

Is IRCC Signaling a Strategic Shift?

This is the second CEC draw in the same month—a rarity in 2025. Between February and May, CEC draws were sparse, with IRCC focusing mainly on PNP and targeted occupations like healthcare. The shift back to back-to-back CEC draws could mean:

• IRCC is addressing the backlog of high-scoring CEC candidates.

• There may be a shortage of skilled labour from within Canada’s temporary residents.

• Priority is being given to those already economically established in Canada.

If this trend continues, CEC candidates may expect more frequent draws with competitive cut-offs in the range of 520–530 CRS.

Current CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool

As of June 22, 2025, there are over 256,000 active Express Entry profiles. Here’s how the CRS scores are distributed:

If your CRS score is between 500 and 540, you're in a highly competitive tier. These latest CEC draws confirm that applicants in this range have a realistic chance of being invited — especially if they possess Canadian experience.

Tips to Improve Your Profile & Boost CRS Score

If your current CRS is below 500, here are some proven strategies to enhance your profile:

1. Secure a provincial nomination (adds 600 points!)

2. Complete a second post-secondary credential or higher-level education

3. Improve your IELTS or CELPIP English test score

4. Gain more skilled Canadian work experience

5. Get spouse’s credentials evaluated (for additional points)

✅ What You Should Do Now

• Create or update your Express Entry profile

• Monitor draw trends — especially for CEC and category-based draws

• Consult an immigration consultant for a CRS improvement strategy

• Apply as soon as an ITA is received (you only have 60 days!)

Final Thoughts: Why This Draw Is a Game-Changer

This second CEC draw within a week shows that IRCC may be pivoting toward those already integrated into Canadian society — particularly international graduates and skilled workers who have proven their adaptability.

If you're in Canada on a work permit, post-graduation permit, or already working in a skilled position, now is your best window of opportunity to apply for permanent residence under the CEC stream.