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Canada Conducts First CEC Draw of the Year
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another round of invitations under the Express Entry system, inviting 1,350 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residence (PR). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 542.
This draw is the second of the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 7, which issued 471 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 793. The January 7 draw was the first of the year and came after a relatively quiet December for Express Entry.
Express Entry Draws List of 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration management system for skilled workers, launched 10 years ago. It handles three major economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The system also integrates enhanced PNP streams, allowing provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residence. This process, called “enhanced nomination,” aligns with Express Entry’s streamlined approach.
In 2023, category-based selection was introduced, enabling IRCC to target candidates with specific skills or French-language proficiency to better address labor market needs.
By 2025, Express Entry will represent Canada’s largest immigration pathway. According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to welcome 124,680 newcomers through this system in the coming year.
Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws
December 2024 saw fewer invitations issued compared to earlier months, with only 2,561 ITAs distributed across fewer draws. In contrast, November and October saw more robust activity, with over 5,000 ITAs issued through six rounds.
Throughout 2024, IRCC followed a consistent pattern in Express Entry draws, focusing on candidates from the following categories:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Express Entry-aligned PNP streams
- French-language proficiency
IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes targeting candidates already in Canada or those with skills aligned to meet Canada’s labor market demands. This focus is part of the “In-Canada Focus” allocation, prioritizing CEC and PNP candidates. Additionally, the “Federal Economic Priorities” allocation aims to invite individuals with specific professional or demographic skills through category-based selection.
Category Prioritization for 2025
IRCC has announced changes in its category-based selection priorities under Express Entry for 2025. The key focus areas will include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Skilled trades
- French-language proficiency
While these categories will be emphasized, IRCC has not indicated plans to discontinue draws for other groups. All six original Express Entry categories remain open.
How the Express Entry System Works
Express Entry operates through a two-step process:
- Profile Submission and Pool Entry: Eligible individuals submit their profiles, which are assessed and ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those who meet the eligibility criteria enter the Express Entry pool.
- Invitation and Application Submission: Candidates selected in a draw receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. They then have 60 days to submit a complete application to IRCC. If approved, they become permanent residents of Canada.
As permanent residents, individuals can live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely. Express Entry continues to play a crucial role in attracting skilled immigrants to meet Canada’s economic and demographic goals.