Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently held another selection round for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry system. They gave 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to skilled workers who are already living and working in Canada. The lowest score needed on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was 533.
What stands out about these draws is that they all focus on the CEC pathway in 2025. Candidates with skilled Canadian work experience are becoming increasingly important. So far this year, there have been several CEC-only draws, and each time the CRS floor has been in the low to mid-500s, indicating very high competition.
Three clear lessons can be learnt from the most recent draw behaviour for people from India and other countries who want to apply for the CEC. First, Canadian work experience remains crucial. The CEC stream requires it, and draws in this stream's reward to meet that requirement. Second, a CRS score of 533 or higher is now the minimum needed to get into a CEC draw. However, this should not be seen as enough; aiming much higher gives you a safety net. Third, work experience is essential, but high language test scores, being younger, and having Canadian credentials (a degree or diploma) will strengthen your CRS profile.
If you're already in Canada on a study or work permit and want to become a permanent resident through Express Entry, focusing on gaining at least 1 year of skilled Canadian experience, improving your English (and/or French) skills, and obtaining additional education credentials can really strengthen your case. At the same time, because these numbers show how competitive the situation is, perfect paperwork and a profile submission at the right time are very important.
We at Croyez Immigration Services keep an eye on every draw and help our clients plan their moves based on whether they are through CEC, provincial nomination, or category-based selections. If you're checking to see if you qualify or planning your next step, now is a great time to ensure your profile meets IRCC's high standards.
