On June 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw, inviting 3,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residency.
This round required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521, a drop of 8 points compared to the previous CEC-specific draw on June 12, 2025.
This article breaks down the draw details, analyzes recent CRS trends, outlines the eligibility criteria for the CEC, and provides guidance for candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Express Entry Draw Details – June 26, 2025
Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Date: June 26, 2025
Number of Invitations Issued: 3,000
CRS Cut-off Score: 521
This draw reinforces Canada’s strategy to retain skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan that aims to welcome over 124,000 permanent residents via Express Entry this year.
CRS Score Trends and Pool Breakdown
In 2025, CRS cut-off scores for CEC draws have ranged from 521 to 547, with larger draws typically having lower thresholds.
For instance:
May 13: 500 ITAs, cut-off of 547 (high score, small draw)
June 12: 3,000 ITAs, cut-off of 529
June 26: 3,000 ITAs, cut-off of 521
Key Influences on CRS Trends:
Spring 2025 policy update: Removal of job offer points lowered many candidates’ scores by 50–200 points.
Category-based draws: French-speaking candidates and select occupations have seen lower cut-offs, e.g., a French-language draw in March had a 410 cut-off.
Candidates with CRS scores below 521 can remain competitive by improving language scores, gaining more Canadian work experience, or securing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination.
CEC Eligibility Criteria
The Canadian Experience Class is ideal for skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian labour force. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 3 years.
Language Proficiency: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations in English or French.
Admissibility: Must be legally allowed to enter or remain in Canada.
Express Entry Profile: An active profile is required to receive an ITA.
Notably, proof of settlement funds is not required for CEC applicants, making it a more accessible option for those already in Canada.
Next Steps After Receiving an ITA
For those who received an ITA in the June 26 draw, here’s what to do next:
1.Accept the ITA within 60 days through your IRCC account.
2.Collect documents, such as:
- Valid passport
- Language test results
- ECA report (if applicable)
- Work experience documentation
- Police clearances and medical exams
3.Submit your PR application online with the required fees (approx. CAD $1,365 per adult).
4.Track your application regularly; CEC files are usually processed within 6 months.
5.Prepare for landing: Approved candidates will receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Those in Canada may complete a virtual landing process.
Is a CRS Score of 521 Competitive?
Yes — a CRS score of 521 is considered strong in the current CEC landscape, especially for larger draws. While it’s at the lower end of the range seen in 2025, ongoing fluctuations mean that maintaining or improving your score remains important.
This Express Entry draw offers a major opportunity for skilled workers with Canadian experience to secure permanent residency. With 3,000 ITAs issued and the CRS score dropping to 521, there is cautious optimism that future draws could push even closer to 500.
If the IRCC maintains the current draw size and frequency, more CEC candidates will have a pathway to PR in the coming months.
Whether you’ve received an ITA or are still waiting, stay proactive — focus on boosting your score, improving your profile, and preparing documents early to maximize your chances in future rounds.