Express Entry: Canada invites 6,000 CEC applicants in Latest Draw.

Canada opened the month with a major development in its Express Entry system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 6,000 invitations to apply in a new draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates. Officials set the required Comprehensive Ranking System score at 520. Candidates also needed to create their Express Entry profile before 5:30 p.m. UTC on July 15, 2025.

This draw delivered the highest number of invitations for CEC candidates in more than 16 months. It also broke the steady cut-off range of 533 or 534 that continued through the last five CEC rounds.

Strong December Activity

This new draw marked the second round of the month. It followed a major Provincial Nominee Program draw on December 8 and a large French-language draw on November 28. A smaller CEC draw also took place on November 26.

IRCC reports steady activity throughout the year. The department issued 105,599 invitations so far in 2025. Many rounds focused on the PNP stream. The rest targeted CEC candidates, French-speaking applicants, and priority occupations that include healthcare, social services, education, and trades.

Express Entry Trends in 2025

The year saw a long list of draws across several categories. Many rounds supported French-speaking candidates. Others helped workers in healthcare and social services. Education and trade candidates also received attention, though in fewer draws.

CEC draws appeared often throughout the year, usually with 1,000 to 4,000 invitations. PNP draws remained frequent as well, with cut-off scores often higher than other streams. French-language draws stayed strong from early spring through late fall, with some rounds issuing more than 6,000 invitations.

Healthcare rounds also stood out with several draws of 2,500 or more invitations. Education and trade rounds appeared less often but still contributed to the overall total.

Invitation Numbers by Stream

French-language draws led in total invitations this year, with 42,000 issued so far. CEC candidates received 30,850 invitations. Healthcare and social services candidates followed with 13,500. PNP candidates received 9,376. Education rounds issued 3,500, while trade candidates received 1,250 invitations.

These numbers show the range of Canada’s needs across different sectors and skill areas. The strong totals also show the high interest in the Express Entry pathway throughout the year.

A Busy Year for Prospective Immigrants

This newest draw continues a pattern of active rounds and shifting cut-off scores. It also offers fresh hope for many CEC candidates. Many applicants faced tight CRS thresholds through the fall, so the lower score in this draw may open new opportunities.

IRCC expects steady demand as the year moves forward. More rounds will likely continue to focus on a mix of work experience, language strength, and sector needs.