First CEC Express Entry Draw Of 2025 Sent 1,350 PR Invitations

First CEC Express Entry Draw of 2025 Issues 1,350 Invitations for Permanent Residence
On January 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry program, inviting 1,350 candidates to apply for permanent residence (PR).

This marks the beginning of another promising year for skilled immigrants in Canada.

This draw set a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 542, an increase of 3 points over the last CEC-specific draw held on November 19, 2024, which had a cut-off score of 539.

Below, we dive into the details of this draw and what it means for Express Entry candidates.

• Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Number of invitations issued: 1,350
• Rank required to be invited to apply: 1,350 or higher
• Date and time of draw: January 8, 2025
• Lowest-ranked invited candidate's CRS score: 542

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the main immigration programs managed under IRCC's Express Entry system.

The program is designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to settle permanently in Canada.

To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
• Language Proficiency: English or French proficiency, demonstrated through an approved language test such as IELTS, CELPIP or TEF.
• Education: While education is not a requirement for CEC, it can increase your CRS score if assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

The CRS score of 542 is an important benchmark for candidates in the Express Entry pool.

This score reflects the lowest-ranked candidate who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the draw.

The CRS score is determined by factors such as:

• Age
• Education
• Language Proficiency
• Canadian and Foreign Work Experience
• Job Offer or Provincial Nomination

The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an ITA.

The cut-off score of 542 shows that candidates with competitive profiles, especially those with high language scores and Canadian work experience, were successful in this selection.

CRS Points Distribution in the Pool (As of January 8, 2025)
To get a sense of the competition in the Express Entry system, here is the CRS score distribution in the pool before this draw:

CRS Point Range Number of Candidates

The majority of candidates scored above 500 points, indicating strong competition at the higher end of the CRS spectrum.

Candidates looking to receive a CEC invitation should focus on improving their score to increase their chances.

Comparison to Previous CEC Draws in 2024
Here's how the latest CEC draw compares to draws conducted in 2024:

Observed trends in CEC draws:
Higher cut-off scores: The CRS cut-off score remains competitive, with most 2024 draws exceeding 500.

Larger draw sizes: The latest draw of 4,000 ITAs reflects the larger draw sizes seen in September 2024.

Tips to improve your CRS score for future CEC draws
If your CRS score is below the current cut-off score, don’t give up! There are many ways to improve your profile:

Retake your language tests: Increasing your IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF score can help you increase your CRS score significantly.

Gain Canadian work experience: Continue working in Canada to gain more skilled experience.
Get a Provincial Nomination: Many provinces offer nomination programs that add 600 points to your CRS score.

Education: Pursue post-secondary education in Canada or obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a foreign degree

With 1,350 ITAs issued and a high CRS cutoff score of 542, candidates must focus on strengthening their profiles to secure future invitations.

Whether you’re already in the pool or planning to join, staying updated on Express Entry trends is key to achieving your Canadian dream.

If you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance with improving your CRS score, consult with a licensed immigration professional to guide you through the process.

Followed by Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.