On January 8, 2025, IRCC announced the results of its latest Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A total of 1,350 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency, with the lowest CRS score among them being 542.

Today’s draw is the second of the week. The first draw was a PNP-based held yesterday, January 7, 2024, inviting 471 candidates, each needing a minimum CRS score of 793.

Highlights of the Latest Draw

  • Date: January 8, 2025
  • Round: #332
  • Invitations Issued: 1,350
  • Minimum CRS Score: 542
  • Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Tie-breaking Rule: December 07, 2024

Latest Express Entry Pool Breakdown

As of January 8, 2025, the Express Entry pool comprises 227,763 candidates. Let’s take a closer look at how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are distributed among these candidates.

Express Entry CEC Latest Draw 2025
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What is Express Entry?

Launched in 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s top application management system designed to meet urgent labor market needs by selecting the best economic immigration candidates. It efficiently handles applications for three key programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates create an online profile and are scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system evaluates factors such as:

  • Work experience
  • Age
  • Language proficiency
  • Education
  • Additional points for Canadian ties (e.g., job offers, provincial nominations, or Canadian education)
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Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws. This system helps Canada meet its labor market needs by selecting the most qualified candidates.

Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

In May 2023, a new category-based selection process was introduced to help Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) target specific workforce and demographic needs. This innovative approach focuses on the following categories:

  • Healthcare
  • STEM professions
  • Trades
  • Transport
  • Agriculture and Agri-food
  • French language proficiency

These category-based draws generally have lower average CRS scores but still prioritize top-ranking candidates within each category. This strategic selection process ensures that Canada continues to attract and retain the talent required to support its economic growth and demographic balance.

credit: ElaarImmigration