Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Canadian Experience Class (CEC)–specific Express Entry draw on October 1, 2025, continuing the trend of competitive scores in 2025.
In this round, 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. This marks the third consecutive CEC draw with the same CRS cut-off, reflecting both stability and competitiveness in this immigration pathway.
How Does This Compare to Previous 2025 CEC Draws?
The CEC draws this year have seen a mix of high cut-off scores and varying ITA numbers:
- May 13, 2025 – 500 ITAs, CRS 547
- June 26, 2025 – 3,000 ITAs, CRS 521
- July 8, 2025 – 3,000 ITAs, CRS 518
- August 7, 2025 – 1,000 ITAs, CRS 534
- September 3, 2025 – 1,000 ITAs, CRS 534
- October 1, 2025 – 1,000 ITAs, CRS 534
Key Trends and Observations
- CRS Scores Remain High and Stable
After the fluctuations seen earlier in the year, recent draws have consistently maintained a CRS cut-off of 534. This indicates that IRCC is holding the threshold steady, focusing on highly competitive candidates.
- Shift from Larger to Smaller Draws
While the summer saw larger draws of up to 3,000 ITAs, recent rounds have reduced to 1,000 invitations. This suggests IRCC is adopting a more controlled intake strategy for the latter half of the year.
- Implications for Applicants
For candidates currently in Canada on temporary work permits, the high and stable CRS scores highlight the challenges of securing an ITA through the CEC stream alone. Many may need to explore additional strategies, such as improving their CRS score, pursuing provincial nomination programs (PNPs), or looking into category-based draws targeting specific occupations.
Final Thoughts
The October 1, 2025 CEC draw underscores IRCC’s cautious approach to managing the intake of permanent residents through Express Entry. While the pathway remains an attractive option for those with Canadian work experience, the competitive nature of recent draws makes it essential for applicants to strengthen their profiles and stay informed about other immigration avenues.
At SEAMS Immigration Services Inc., we continue to monitor these updates closely to guide our clients through the most effective pathways to Canadian permanent residence.