Express Entry: Latest CEC Class Draw Hits 2025’s Lowest CRS Cutoff

Canada announced another important immigration draw this week. The federal immigration department invited 5,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residence. Officials selected candidates through the Express Entry system. This draw focused on the Canadian Experience Class. Many temporary workers across the country welcomed the update. The draw arrived during an already active December.

This marked the second Canadian Experience Class draw in two weeks. Authorities issued 11,000 invitations during this short period. Such frequency surprised many applicants. Officials usually hold draws every other week. The faster pace raised hopes among skilled workers waiting inside Canada.

Score Drops to New 2025 Low

The required CRS score dropped to 515 points. This became the lowest score for this category in 2025. Earlier draws demanded higher scores from applicants. The previous low stood at 518 points. The new threshold allowed more candidates to qualify. Many workers with steady jobs gained fresh confidence.

Lower scores often signal changing selection priorities. Experts believe authorities responded to labour needs. Workers already living and working in Canada remain valuable. The Canadian Experience Class supports this goal. The latest draw reflected this focus clearly.

Clear Rules Guided Selection

Candidates needed Canadian work experience to qualify. They also needed an active Express Entry profile. Officials required profile creation before September 9, 2025. The cut-off time stood at 6:58 p.m. UTC. Only candidates meeting both conditions received invitations.

These rules ensured fairness across the pool. Every candidate competed under the same system. Officials continued to rely on ranking points. Higher scores still improved selection chances. However, this draw widened the door slightly.

December Sees Heavy Activity

December has already seen five Express Entry draws. Earlier draws targeted provincial nominees. Others focused on healthcare and social services. One earlier draw issued 6,000 Canadian Experience Class invitations. That draw marked the largest in over a year.

The steady pace suggests strong immigration planning. Authorities appear committed to meeting yearly targets. So far this year, officials have issued 111,998 invitations. The number already surpasses several past years.

2025 Trends Take Shape

Most draws this year focused on provincial nominees. Canadian Experience Class draws followed closely behind. French-speaking candidates also received many invitations. Healthcare workers remained in demand. Education and trade occupations saw fewer selections.

So far, French-language candidates received the highest number of invitations. Canadian Experience Class candidates followed closely. These patterns show where needs remain strongest. Workers inside Canada continue to hold strong chances.