IRCC invites 4,000 Candidates in Latest CEC Draw

Key Takeaways  

Type of draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

Invitations issued: 4,000

Minimum CRS score: 507

Tie-breaking rule: May 11, 2025 at 18:57:31 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Category-based Selection on March 18. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw 

This week, 4,000 candidates were invited in the fifth CEC draw of the year. The last CEC draw was on March 3 and invited 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS of 508. This makes the two draws nearly identical.The draw on February 17 also had a CRS of 508.  

The CRS score is taking a long time to drop because, bluntly, IRCC doesn’t have to look for candidates with lower scores. As of March 1, there were 14,031 Express Entry candidates in the pool with a CRS between 501 and 600. This means it could still take some time for those in the next score band (451-500) to see any movement.  

It also means that draw sizes for CEC (and likely category-based selection) will likely stay large. A draw of 4,000 candidates, while the smallest of its kind, is still considered a large draw. We may see slightly smaller draws as the number of candidates in the 501-600 score band shrinks. 

What Does this Mean for CEC Candidates?  

As always, the best thing a CEC candidate can do now is work to increase their CRS score and keep their profile updated.  

The biggest CRS increase you can get comes from getting a provincial nomination. It adds 600 points to your overall score. Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has a PNP with streams targeting candidates with specific education or in-demand work experience. If you are an Express Entry candidate already, there’s a decent chance you will be eligible for a PNP stream. 

You can also try retaking a language test to see if you can get a higher score. It could also be beneficial to try getting a score in a second official language (English or French).  

If you’ve maxed out your language tests, getting more education might be a good idea. Extra credentials add extra points. 

Finally, married or common-law candidates can consider adding their spouse or partner to their application if they are eligible for Express Entry. 

What’s Next for Express Entry? 

Since the beginning of the year, IRCC has kept a regular rhythm of having draws every two weeks. The number of draws varies, but it generally starts with a PNP draw, then a CEC draw, and finally a category-based selection draw.  

Still, last week IRCC quietly mentioned that it had begun inviting candidates as part of the long-awaited temporary resident to permanent resident program. There was no official announcement regarding who would be invited, or where IRCC was sourcing the candidates from. It’s very possible we could see the pool shrink a bit if the department is pulling Express Entry applicants.  

What we do know, based on the first mention of the program in the immigration levels plan, is that IRCC will be prioritizing those who have strong roots in Canada and are already paying taxes and contributing to the economy, this hints strongly at PNP or CEC applicants.  

If IRCC is transitioning TRs with an Express Entry application in the pool, it could mean smaller draws since those numbers will also count toward the overall permanent resident admissions target of 109,000 for the year. We will have to wait for more details, which are expected in April. 

The department says it will transition 33,000 temporary residents to permanent residents over two years. 

Further Resources for CEC Candidates  

• Use our Canadian Experience Class score calculator to see where you stand and how to improve your score.  
• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws.    
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.    
• Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.   

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