In a significant move aimed at strengthening the Canadian labor force with skilled talent already in the country, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a targeted Express Entry draw on June 26, 2025, exclusively for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. A total of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in this latest draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521.

Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Key Highlights of the June 26, 2025 Express Entry CEC Draw:

  • Program Targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Date of Draw: June 26, 2025
  • Number of Invitations Issued: 3,000
  • Minimum CRS Score Required: 521
  • Tie-breaking rule applied: June 24, 2025 at 16:18:22 UTC

This is a much-awaited draw for many candidates who have Canadian work experience, as it marks a continuing trend where IRCC is strategically selecting candidates with in-country experience to meet labor market demands and reduce processing backlogs.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular immigration streams under Express Entry. It is designed for skilled workers who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation (classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC system). CEC candidates are often preferred because they have already adapted to Canadian society and workplace culture, making them strong contenders for permanent residency.

To be eligible for CEC, candidates must:

  • Have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years;
  • Have gained work experience legally with proper authorization;
  • Meet the required language proficiency (CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0/1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2/3);
  • Intend to live outside Quebec.
Check Your Skilled Assessment & Eligibility

Why Is This Draw Important?

This draw is significant for several reasons:

  • CEC-focused draws have been less frequent in recent months due to prioritization of category-based selections and all-program draws.
  • A cut-off score of 521 reflects a highly competitive pool, suggesting that many high-scoring candidates have recent Canadian work experience.
  • It indicates a potential return to program-specific draws, which many Express Entry candidates were eagerly anticipating.
  • The draw aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to retain talent already residing and working in the country, as the government aims to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2025, with a strong focus on economic immigration.

What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?

Candidates who received an ITA in this draw will now have 60 days to submit their complete application for permanent residency. Those who didn’t make the cut in this round are advised to:

  • Keep their profile updated (e.g., new work experience, education, language scores);
  • Monitor upcoming draws—especially category-based draws for occupations in demand (like healthcare, STEM, and trade jobs);
  • Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to increase CRS scores via nomination (+600 points boost).

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