IRCC Conducts First CEC Draw After Over Three Months

Canada’s immigration department has held another Express Entry draw. On May 13, IRCC invited 500 people to apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

To receive an invitation, candidates needed at least 547 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). They also had to submit their Express Entry profile before 5:26 p.m. UTC on May 21, 2024.

Fourth Draw in May

This draw marks the fourth Express Entry round of the month. The previous three were for healthcare workers, education professionals, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

IRCC has now issued 34,440 invitations to apply (ITAs) through Express Entry in 2025. Most draws this year have focused on PNP candidates. Other invitations went to CEC candidates, French speakers, and priority workers.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025

• May 13: 500 CEC invitations, cut-off score 547
  
• May 12: 511 PNP invitations, cut-off 706
  
• May 2: 500 healthcare/social service invites, cut-off 510
  
• May 1: 1,000 education invites, cut-off 479
  

In total, IRCC has held 17 Express Entry draws this year. These included:

• 8 PNP draws
  
• 4 CEC draws
  
• 3 for French-speaking candidates
  
• 1 for education
  
• 1 for healthcare and social services
  

New Immigration Minister Takes Over

The May 13 draw was the final one led by Rachel Bendayan. On the same day, Lena Metlege Diab became Canada’s new Immigration Minister. Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed her as part of a cabinet change.

Diab is expected to carry out Carney’s immigration goals. These include:

• Keeping permanent resident levels at around 1% of Canada’s population by 2027
  
• Increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants
  
• Improving the Global Talent Stream to attract skilled professionals
  
• Reducing the number of temporary residents like foreign workers and students
  

Diab’s official government mandate letter will soon give more details. Until then, her appointment shows the government’s aim to make immigration more balanced and focused.

What’s Next for Express Entry?

Now that Minister Diab is in charge, future Express Entry draws may continue to reflect the new policies. The government may focus more on permanent residency for those already in Canada. International students and workers should stay alert for new rules.

CEC candidates may still have chances to receive ITAs, though the focus might remain on specific job sectors and language needs.