News of the day! IRCC has issued 5,000 invitations to eligible candidates who fall under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The highlight of the draw is a low cut-off CRS cut-off score in 2025. Curious to know the back story? Read further.
What is CEC in Canada Immigration?
CEC (Canadian Experience Class) is a Canadian immigration program under the Canada Express Entry system. It is for individuals who have skilled work experience in Canada and want to apply for permanent residence (PR). The processing time is lower than that of other programs. Check out the CEC eligibility below:
- Applicants must have skilled Canadian work experience
- Meet language requirements
- CEC does not require a job offer
- No need for proof of settlement funds
Who Got Luck This Time?
- Candidates with a minimum CRS score of 515.
- Candidates who created a profile before September 9, 2025.
- The profile should be created before 6.58 pm on the specified date.
Breaking the Trend of Cut-off Score!
- The CEC CRS cut-off score is the lowest in 2025.
- The previous cut-off is 518 points.
This invitation comes as a surprise and breaks the regular pattern of Express Entry draws. It is the second draw in the Canadian Experience class in December.
December Draw Activity Timeline:
- This latest selection is the fifth Express Entry draw conducted in December 2025
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on December 15
- Healthcare and social services occupations draw on December 11
- Major CEC draw held on December 10
Meet Language Requirements
A total of 1,11,998 ITAs have been issued in 2025 so far. This year, Canada’s Express Entry system largely focused on PNP draws, CEC candidates, and candidates with French proficiency. Additionally, candidates in Express Entry's priority occupations received invitations.
Draw Type and ITAs issued:
| Draw type | ITAs Issued |
| French | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 36,850 |
| Healthcare and social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,775 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
Canadian Express Entry Cut-off Score in 2025:
| Date | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
| December 17 | 5,000 | 515 |
| December 16 | 399 | 731 |
| December 11 | 1,000 | 476 |
| December 10 | 6,000 | 520 |
| December 8 | 1,123 | 729 |
Key Takeaway for readers:
- 5,000 ITAs issued under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- CRS cut-off dropped to 515, the lowest in 2025
- No job offer or settlement funds required for CEC
- Invitations issued to profiles created before Sept 9, 2025 (6:58 PM)
- Second CEC draw in December, breaking the usual CRS trend
- Shows Canada’s strong focus on in-Canada skilled workers
