New Express Entry Draw Issues 4,000 Permanent Residency Invitations

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New Express Entry Draw Issues 4,000 Permanent Residency Invitations

January 23, 2025
7:37 pm

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Last Updated On 23 January 2025, 6:49 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw of 2025 on January 23.

In this draw, IRCC invited 4,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR).

The draw set a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score of 527, marking a drop of 15 points compared to the last CEC-specific draw held on January 8, 2025.

This development is a vital milestone for candidates aspiring to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Below, we explore the details of the draw, its implications, and how candidates can improve their CRS scores to succeed in future draws.

Details of the Express Entry Draw Today

Here are the specifics of the January 23, 2025, draw:

Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Number of Invitations Issued: 4,000
Rank Required to Be Invited: 4,000 or above
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 527
Date and Time of Round: January 23, 2025
Tie-Breaking Rule: July 23, 2024 at 07:06:43 UTC

The tie-breaking rule ensures that candidates with the same CRS score are ranked based on when they entered the pool.

Those who submitted their profiles before July 23, 2024 at 07:06:43 UTC were prioritized.

To better understand the competition, here’s a breakdown of CRS scores in the Express Entry pool before the draw:

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	200
501-600	24,001
451-500	67,548
491-500	13,126
481-490	12,866
471-480	15,392
461-470	13,483
451-460	12,681
401-450	62,426
441-450	12,256
431-440	13,389
421-430	12,205
411-420	12,667
401-410	11,909
351-400	51,213
301-350	21,903
0-300	5,633
Total	232,924

The data highlights intense competition, particularly in the higher CRS ranges. Candidates aiming to improve their rankings need to take strategic steps to boost their scores.

The Canadian Experience Class is a vital immigration pathway under IRCC’s Express Entry system.

It targets skilled workers with Canadian work experience, offering them a streamlined route to permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for CEC:

Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French through approved language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
Education: While not mandatory, education can enhance CRS scores if validated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

The CEC provides an advantage for individuals who have already integrated into Canadian society through work experience and language skills.

Age: Younger candidates typically earn higher points.
Education: Higher levels of education and ECA assessments for foreign credentials add significant points.
Language Proficiency: Strong scores in language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF boost CRS scores.
Work Experience: Both Canadian and foreign skilled work experience contribute to the overall score.
Job Offers or Provincial Nominations: A valid job offer or provincial nomination can significantly increase CRS scores, with provincial nominations adding 600 points.

A comparison with earlier CEC draws reveals key trends:

Draw Number	Date	Program	Invitations Issued	CRS Cutoff
332	January 8, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	1,350	542
326	November 19	Canadian Experience Class	400	539
323	November 13	Canadian Experience Class	400	547
320	October 22	Canadian Experience Class	400	539
317	October 9	Canadian Experience Class	500	539
315	September 19	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	509
312	August 27	Canadian Experience Class	3,300	507
309	August 14	Canadian Experience Class	3,200	509

Key Observations:

Higher Cutoff Scores: CRS scores have consistently remained above 500, reflecting the competitiveness of CEC draws.
Larger Draw Sizes: Some draws, particularly in the latter half of 2024, issued over 3,000 invitations, signalling a trend toward larger rounds.

The Path Ahead for Express Entry Candidates

This second Express Entry draw of 2025 reflects IRCC’s commitment to providing pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

With 4,000 invitations issued and a CRS cutoff of dropping to 527, the competition still remains fierce, emphasizing the need for candidates to refine their profiles.

Whether you are an existing candidate in the pool or planning to submit your profile, staying updated on Express Entry trends and taking proactive measures to enhance your CRS score are critical to success.

For tailored advice and assistance, consult a licensed immigration professional who can guide you through the process of achieving your Canadian dream.