Canada Conducts First Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw of the Year

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kicked off 2025 with its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw through the Express Entry system. This marks an important step for many candidates seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Details of the Latest CEC Draw

In this draw, IRCC issued 1,350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class program. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542.

This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on January 7, which invited 471 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 793. Combined, these draws demonstrate Canada's ongoing commitment to attracting skilled individuals who meet its economic and demographic needs.

Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025

January's draws indicate a strong start to the year, especially after a slower December 2024, during which IRCC issued fewer ITAs and held fewer draws compared to earlier months like November and October.

Summary of January 2025 Draws

Looking back at 2024, IRCC consistently followed a pattern of inviting candidates from the following categories:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• French-language proficiency categories
  
  

What’s New in Express Entry for 2025?

IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan has brought some notable updates, including prioritization of specific professional groups and in-Canada candidates. This year, IRCC plans to welcome 124,680 new immigrants through Express Entry, making it the largest pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Key Priority Categories for 2025:

• Healthcare occupations
• Trades occupations
• French-language proficiency

While these categories are being prioritized, the original six categories for category-based selections remain active.

Understanding the Express Entry System

Express Entry, launched a decade ago, is Canada's premier online system for managing applications to three economic immigration programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

It also accommodates candidates from enhanced PNPs, allowing provinces to nominate individuals aligned with their specific labor market needs.

How it Works:

1. Candidate Profile: Newcomers submit their profiles to the Express Entry system. If eligible, their profile is scored using the CRS criteria.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates with high scores are invited through draws.
3. Permanent Residence Application: Invited candidates have 60 days to apply for permanent residence.
4. Landing in Canada: Successful applicants receive PR status and must land in Canada to complete the process.

Permanent residents can live, work, and settle anywhere in Canada indefinitely.

Canada’s Focus on Skilled Immigration

IRCC’s Express Entry updates reflect its commitment to addressing labor market demands and demographic challenges. With a focus on healthcare, trades, and French-speaking candidates, the system is evolving to ensure newcomers are well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s growth.