Express Entry: IRCC Holds First October Draw For Canadian Experience Class

Canada’s immigration department has invited 1,000 skilled workers in the latest Express Entry draw. The draw took place on October 1 and focused on candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

To get selected, candidates needed a minimum score of 534 in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). They also had to submit their Express Entry profile before 4:01 a.m. (UTC) on February 21, 2025.

This draw is the 10th CEC-specific draw of the year and the third in a row to issue 1,000 invitations with the same score cut-off. It also marks the first Express Entry draw for October.

More Express Entry Draws Held This Year

So far in 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 66,838 applicants through the Express Entry system. These draws are helping Canada bring in skilled workers for different job sectors.

The most recent draws include:

• A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on September 29 (291 invitations, CRS score of 855)
  
• A Trades category draw on September 18 (1,250 invitations, CRS score of 505)
  
• An Education category draw on September 17 (2,500 invitations, CRS score of 462)
  

In total, IRCC has held 18 PNP draws, 10 CEC draws, 5 French-language draws, 4 in healthcare and social services, 2 in education, and 1 in the trades category.

CEC Category Sees Strong Interest

The CEC stream has seen steady activity this year. It allows skilled workers already living and working in Canada to apply for permanent residency. So far in 2025, the IRCC has issued 21,850 invitations under the CEC stream.

Most CEC draws this year have had CRS cut-off scores ranging from 518 to 547. The draw sizes have varied, with some draws offering up to 4,000 invitations. However, the last three CEC draws, including this one, have consistently offered 1,000 invitations with a score cut-off of 534.

French-Language and Healthcare Draws Lead in Numbers

French-language draws have led the pack in invitations this year, with 25,500 candidates receiving ITAs. CEC candidates follow next with 21,850 invitations.

Other draws include:

• Healthcare and social services: 7,500 ITAs
  
• Provincial Nominee Program: 6,947 ITAs
  
• Education: 3,500 ITAs
  
• Trade: 1,250 ITAs
  

These numbers reflect Canada’s strategy to invite skilled workers in key job sectors and support its growing economy.

Next Steps for Selected Candidates

Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Those not selected can continue to improve their CRS score and remain in the Express Entry pool.

IRCC is expected to continue holding category-based draws throughout the year.