On June 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its most recent Express Entry CEC draw, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in this round was 529, and only those who submitted their Express Entry profile before 6:06 p.m. UTC on September 28, 2024, were considered.

This is the fourth draw this month and the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-focused invitation round since February. For international graduates and skilled workers already living in Canada, this draw marks a significant opportunity to move closer to permanent residence.

What Is the Express Entry CEC Draw?

The Express Entry CEC draw is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, designed to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specifically targets candidates who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

Eligibility for CEC includes:

• A minimum of 12 months of full-time skilled work in Canada within the past three years
• Language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or 5, depending on the job type)
• No requirement to prove settlement funds
• Intention to live outside of Quebec

June 12 Draw Details at a Glance

Here is a breakdown of the most recent CEC-focused draw:

This draw follows smaller invitation rounds held earlier in June, including two for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)candidates and one for healthcare and social services occupations. The renewed focus on CEC candidates shows that IRCC continues to prioritize workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy.

Why the CEC Pathway Offers an Advantage

Many candidates in the CEC stream already live and work in Canada, giving them an edge in immigration processing and job market success.

Here’s why CEC is popular:

• No settlement funds required
• Six-month average processing time for PR applications
• Higher CRS scores due to Canadian work experience
• Existing familiarity with Canadian society, job market, and culture

Express Entry Trends So Far in 2025

Here’s how ITAs have been distributed across Express Entry draws this year:

As of mid-June, 38,342 Express Entry ITAs have been issued in total. This shows a growing trend of selecting candidates from within Canada and those aligned with in-demand sectors.

What to Do If You’re a Potential CEC Applicant

If you have Canadian work experience and haven’t submitted your Express Entry profileyet, now is the time. Even if your CRS score isn’t currently above 529, improving your profile through language tests, education credentials, or job offers can increase your chances of receiving an invitation in future draws.

The latest Express Entry CEC draw with 3,000 ITAs and a 529 CRS cut-off highlights IRCC’s continued focus on candidates with strong Canadian ties. With no settlement funds needed and faster processing times, the CEC stream remains one of the most efficient and accessible immigration pathways for skilled workers already in Canada.

If you’re working in Canada on a valid permit, this could be your best shot at permanent residency in 2025.

Need help preparing your Express Entry profile or evaluating your CRS score? Contact ImmigCanada for expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

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