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IRCC’s Most Recent Express Entry Draw Invites 4,000 CEC Candidates
IRCC’s Most Recent Express Entry Draw: Finally, there is some good news for Express Entry applicants who are employed and reside in Canada. In its third Express Entry draw of 2025, Canada invited 4,000 members of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to apply for permanent residence on January 23.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 527 was dropped 15 points from the previous CEC draw on January 8.
This draw continues the trend of in-Canada focus category candidates, as outlined in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. IRCC aims to welcome 82,890 new immigrants through the “In-Canada Focus” allocation in 2025.
Highlights of the Latest Draw
- Date: January 23, 2025
- Round: #333
- Invitations Issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 527
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Tie-breaking Rule: July 23, 2024
Latest Express Entry Pool Breakdown
As of January 23, 2024, the Express Entry pool comprises 232,924 candidates. Based on recent data, the Express Entry pool distribution looks like this:
- 451-500: 67,548 people
- 501-600: 24,001 people
- 601-1200: 200 people
Improving CRS Score in 2025
While the recent drop in the CRS cut-off score is encouraging, the Express Entry pool remains competitive. Here are some strategies to enhance your profile and increase your chances of receiving an ITA:
Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
PNPs offer a fantastic pathway to permanent residence for individuals with specific skills, work experience, or ties to a particular province. Each province has its unique streams and criteria, so research thoroughly to find programs that align with your profile.
Obtain a Trade Certification
If you have experience in a skilled trade, obtaining a trade certification recognized in Canada can be a valuable asset. This can enhance your employability and contribute to a higher CRS score, especially when combined with strong language proficiency.
