Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547 following its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC)-only Express Entry draw on May 13, 2025. Candidates had to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 5:26 p.m. UTC on May 21, 2024, to be eligible. Following two category-based decisions for Education and Healthcare & Social Services, and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw a day earlier, this draw marks the fourth Express Entry round of May 2025.
Key Highlights of CEC Draw on May 13
Reflecting on Canada's continued focus on integrating international graduates and temporary workers into the local labour market, IRCC's 347th Express Entry draw solely targets candidates under the Canadian Experience Class. The draw details are as follows:
- Date of Draw: May 13, 2025
- Number of ITAs issued: 500
- Minimum CRS Score: 547
- Profile Submission Deadline: May 21, 2024 at 5:26 p.m. UTC
CEC candidates have drawn four draws this year, highlighting IRCC's strategic balance between PNP, French-language competency, Education, Healthcare, and CEC choices. 34,440 ITAs have been issued so far in 2025 across all draw types.
Implications for Candidates of Express Entry
The most recent CEC draw offers a great chance for qualified immigrants already working or educated in Canada to get permanent residence without going through the extra step of getting a provincial nomination. Although competitive, the 547 CRS limit is below many recent PNP-only draws, allowing well-qualified CEC candidates with high language scores and Canadian work experience to progress.
Candidates aiming to raise their CRS should give some thought to:
- Language Re-testing: Up to 24 extra points can come from even one band rise in IELTS or CELPIP.
- Completing or upgrading Canadian credentials under Post-Graduate Work Permits will add 15–30 points.
- Work Experience: 40 points are earned from one more year of full-time Canadian employment.
- Keeping alert about forthcoming category-based draws, such as possible French-language or STEM-specific rounds, may also help open the door to an invitation to apply.
Why should you work with Croyez Immigration?
Our area of expertise at Croyez Immigration Services is helping clients at all stages of the Express Entry and CEC applications. Our offers comprise:
- Individualized CRS Assessment: Comprehensive profile analysis to find the fastest path to 549-plus points.
- Using Canadian education credentials and creating strong work-history summaries helps to optimize the Express Entry Profile.
- Language coaching and credential evaluation help to maximize point gains by means of targeted coaching.
- Ensure your profile is active and timed with the draw calendar of IRCC.
Having 10+ years of experience in Canadian immigration and an outstanding record of turning refusals into approvals, Croyez Immigration guides you through difficult policy changes, including ministerial changes effective May 13, 2025, under Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab.
