Record 6,000 CEC Invitations Issued in Largest Express Entry Draw in 16 Months
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced a significant event in the Express Entry system. For the first time in over 16 months, a remarkable 6,000 invitations to apply (ITA) have been issued to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Details of the Latest Express Entry Draw
This latest draw, conducted on December 10, 2025, required CEC candidates to possess a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 520. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profiles before 5:30 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on July 15, 2025.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 10 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 | 520 |
| November 28 | French Language Proficiency | 6,000 | 408 |
| November 25 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 531 |
| November 25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 777 | 699 |
| November 14 | Healthcare and Social Services | 3,500 | 462 |
Trends in 2025 Express Entry Draws
The December 10 draw marks a crucial shift for CEC candidates, breaking the previous trend of a cut-off score of 533 or 534 that had persisted in the prior five draws. This change comes after a notable PNP draw on December 8 and a significant French-language proficiency draw on November 28.
So far in 2025, the IRCC has issued a total of 105,599 ITAs through the Express Entry system. The draws this year have primarily targeted PNP applicants, while a smaller portion has been allocated to CEC candidates and those with French-language proficiency.
Breakdown of ITAs by Stream
- French Language Proficiency: 42,000 ITAs
- Canadian Experience Class: 30,850 ITAs
- Healthcare and Social Services: 13,500 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 9,376 ITAs
- Education: 3,500 ITAs
- Trade: 1,250 ITAs
This unprecedented invitation round signifies a renewed opportunity for eligible CEC candidates and reflects the changing priorities of Canada’s immigration strategy.
