Canada’s immigration system took a significant step forward on October 1, 2025, with the first Express Entry draw of the month. In this draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
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This draw aligns with expectations discussed earlier in the day, where we predicted a similar trend for October’s Express Entry draws. It also marks a consistent continuation of what appears to be a developing pattern for monthly draws in Canada’s immigration strategy.
Key Details of the October 1, 2025 Express Entry Draw:
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Date and Time: October 1, 2025
- CRS Score of the Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 534
- Number of Invitations Issued: 1,000
- Rank Needed: 1,000 or above
- Tie-Breaking Rule: February 21, 2025, at 04:01:57 UTC
IRCC applies this rule when multiple candidates have the same lowest CRS score. The cutoff is determined based on the submission date and time of the candidate’s Express Entry profile.
A Growing Trend for 2025
Recent Express Entry draws have started to show a clear and repeating trend:
- August 7, 2025: A CEC draw issued 1,000 ITAs with a CRS cutoff of 534.
- September 3, 2025: Another CEC draw, again inviting 1,000 candidates with a CRS cutoff of 534.
- October 1, 2025: The pattern continues, with 1,000 ITAs and a cutoff of 534.
This repetitive approach strongly suggests that IRCC is adopting a set sequence for its monthly draws, beginning with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, followed by a CEC draw, then alternating with category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and those in the education sector.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
If this pattern holds, we might see a French-speaking or category-based draw soon, potentially as early as tomorrow. Here’s what could be next:
- French-Speaking Category-Based Draw: Likely tomorrow.
- STEM or Healthcare Category Draws: Expected mid-October.
- Another PNP Draw: Likely in the second half of the month.
This cycle of PNP, CEC, and category-based draws has become a regular rhythm since July, balancing various immigration pathways and ensuring diverse candidate profiles are invited.
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool (as of October 1, 2025)
The breakdown of CRS scores in the pool after today’s draw shows the competitive nature of Express Entry:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 501-600 | 23,528 |
| 491-500 | 12,255 |
| 481-490 | 12,473 |
| 471-480 | 15,150 |
| 461-470 | 15,781 |
| 451-460 | 14,924 |
| 451-500 (Total) | 70,583 |
| 441-450 | 14,806 |
| 431-440 | 16,354 |
| 421-430 | 14,820 |
| 411-420 | 14,839 |
| 401-410 | 13,662 |
| 401-450 (Total) | 74,481 |
| 351-400 | 53,066 |
| 301-350 | 19,963 |
| 0-300 | 8,081 |
| Grand Total | 249,702 |
With nearly 250,000 active candidates, competition is fierce, especially for those with CRS scores over 500, which alone accounts for over 23,500 individuals.
Ideal Candidate Profile for This Draw
To be selected in the October 1, 2025, CEC draw, candidates needed a CRS score of 534. Achieving this score without relying on a provincial nomination or French language proficiency can be challenging, but it is possible with a strong combination of factors such as age, education, language ability, and Canadian work experience.
Key Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate:
- Age Advantage: At 29 years old, the candidate would earn 110 CRS points for age, which is close to the maximum.
- Education: A Master’s degree adds 135 CRS points, providing a significant boost.
- Language Proficiency: Achieving CLB 9 in IELTS (Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0) results in about 136 CRS points, often the key differentiator for candidates in the 520-540 range.
- Canadian Work Experience: Five years of skilled Canadian work experience contributes the maximum 80 CRS points.
- Skill Transferability: High education combined with strong language skills or Canadian work experience provides up to 50 CRS points.
- Adaptability Points: Since the candidate’s Master’s degree was obtained in Canada, they earn an additional 30 CRS points.
Example Profile:
- Name: Arjun
- Age: 29
- Education: Master’s degree from a Canadian university
- Language Skills: IELTS CLB 9
- Work Experience: 5 years of skilled full-time work in IT consulting in Canada
- CRS Score: 534
Conclusion
The October 1, 2025, Express Entry draw reaffirms IRCC’s predictable yet strategic approach, prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience while maintaining a steady rhythm in monthly draws. With over 249,000 candidates in the pool, competition remains intense, especially for those aiming for scores above 500.
As we continue through October, expect further developments with French-language or category-based draws, and stay tuned for updates as this month unfolds, promising another pivotal period for Canada’s immigration landscape.
