On June 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
This draw had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 521, reflecting an 8-point drop compared to the previous CEC draw on June 12, 2025.
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In this article, we explore the draw details, examine CRS trends, explain how to qualify for the CEC, and outline next steps for candidates who received an ITA. Whether you’re already in the pool or preparing to apply, this guide will help you move closer to permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Draw: Key Highlights (June 26, 2025)
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Date: June 26, 2025
- Number of ITAs: 3,000
- CRS Cut-Off Score: 521
- Minimum Rank Invited: 3,000
- Tie-Breaking Rule: November 21, 2024 at 15:56:13 UTC
This draw signals continued support for candidates with Canadian work experience, aligning with Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which targets 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2025.
CRS Score Trends and Pool Distribution (Mid-June 2025)
The CRS cut-off of 521 matches the lowest seen in CEC draws so far this year, tying with the February 5 draw. Here’s an overview of score distribution across the pool:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 471 |
| 501–600 | 22,947 |
| 451–500 | 76,748 |
| 401–450 | 72,235 |
| 351–400 | 54,237 |
| 301–350 | 21,746 |
| 0–300 | 8,370 |
| Total | 256,754 |
Notable Trends:
- CEC Cut-Offs in 2025 range from 521 to 547.
- Larger draws (3,000–4,000 ITAs) tend to have lower cut-offs, while smaller draws (e.g., May 13, 500 ITAs) result in higher thresholds.
- Policy changes in Spring 2025, including the removal of job offer points, caused a 50–200 point drop for some candidates, shifting the score distribution.
- Category-based draws (e.g., French-speaking candidates) continue to offer opportunities for those with CRS scores well below 521.
How to Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is one of three programs under Express Entry and is designed for skilled workers with recent Canadian work experience. Here’s what you need:
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 3 years.
- Language Requirements:
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
- Admissibility: No criminal or medical inadmissibility.
- Express Entry Profile: A valid profile is required to enter the pool and be eligible for selection.
Unlike FSWP and FSTP, the CEC does not require proof of settlement funds, making it a practical choice for many temporary residents already in Canada.
What to Do After Receiving an ITA
If you were among the 3,000 candidates selected, here’s what you need to do next:
- Accept Your ITA
Log into your Express Entry profile and accept the invitation within 60 days. - Gather Required Documents
- Passport
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
- Educational Credential Assessment (if applicable)
- Proof of Canadian work experience (T4s, pay stubs, letters)
- Police certificates and medical exam
- Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through IRCC’s online portal.
Current fee: approx. CAD 1,365 per adult. - Track Application Status
Monitor progress via your IRCC account. Most CEC applications are processed within 6 months. - Prepare for Landing
Once approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You can either complete a virtual landing (if in Canada) or physically land (if abroad).
Summary of 2025 CEC Draws (As of June 26)
| Date | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 23 | 4,000 | 527 |
| Feb 5 | 4,000 | 521 |
| May 13 | 500 | 547 |
| Jun 12 | 3,000 | 529 |
| Jun 26 | 3,000 | 521 |
Total CEC ITAs in 2025 (so far): 15,850
The June 26 draw suggests a trend toward more frequent and accessible draws, especially for candidates scoring in the low 500s.
Will the CRS Cut-Off Drop Below 521?
If IRCC maintains this pace (3,000 ITAs per draw), future cut-offs could approach 500 in the coming months. This would significantly increase the chances for mid-range candidates.
Is a CRS Score of 521 Competitive in 2025?
Yes, 521 is a strong score, especially for CEC-specific draws. While it’s at the lower end of 2025 cut-offs so far, it remains well above average across the pool and provides a solid chance for selection—particularly in larger draws.
Next Steps for Candidates Below 521
If your score falls below 521, consider these strategies:
- Improve your language test results
- Gain more Canadian work experience
- Pursue a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for a 600-point CRS boost
- Explore category-based draws, especially for bilingual or in-demand professions
Conclusion:
The June 26 Express Entry draw is an encouraging sign for CEC candidates. With 3,000 ITAs issued and a lowered CRS cut-off, IRCC is clearly prioritizing candidates already integrated into the Canadian workforce. Whether you’ve received an ITA or are working toward one, staying informed and taking proactive steps can make your path to permanent residency smoother.
