New Year, New Opportunities: First CEC Draw of 2025 Issues 1,350 PR ITAs
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Explore the exciting start of 2025, as IRCC Canada issues 1,350 PR invitations in CEC draw held on January 8. Explore the draw details and predictions for CEC 2025 ahead
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Canada Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw of 2025 on January 8. The draw invited a total of 1,350 candidates to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada.
The back to back Express Entry draw has marked a positive start for the year for skilled immigrants aspiring to settle in Canada. The current CEC draw featured a minimum CRS score cutoff score of 542, reflecting a 3 point increase from the previous CEC specific draw held on November 19,2024 which had a cutoff score of 539.
Also Explore: Canada Invites 471 Candidates in 1st Express Entry Draw of 2025
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
The complete summary of the Express Entry Program draws conducted so far in 2025 are as follows:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | PNP Draw | 471 | 793 |
CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool As of January 8, 2025
The current distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool based on the CRS scores before the January 8 2025 draw is as follows:
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 171 |
| 501-600 | 23,240 |
| 451-500 | 65,699 |
| 491-500 | 12,811 |
| 481-490 | 12,492 |
| 471-480 | 14,965 |
| 461-470 | 13,034 |
| 451-460 | 12,397 |
| 401-450 | 60,704 |
| 441-450 | 11,938 |
| 431-440 | 13,030 |
| 421-430 | 11,901 |
| 411-420 | 12,224 |
| 401-410 | 11,611 |
| 351-400 | 50,607 |
| 301-350 | 21,788 |
| 0-300 | 5,554 |
| Total | 227,763 |
Here we note that the majority of candidates fall above the 500 CRS score range, which indicates strong competition at the higher end of the CRS spectrum. The candidates aiming for a CEC invitation in 2025 must focus on improving their scores to increase their chances.
Comparisons with Previous CEC Draws in 2024
A quick summary of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws held though the year 2024 are mentioned below:
| Draw Number | Date | Invitations Issued | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 326 | November 19, 2024 | 400 | 539 |
| 323 | November 13, 2024 | 400 | 547 |
| 320 | October 22, 2024 | 400 | 539 |
| 317 | October 9, 2024 | 500 | 539 |
| 315 | September 19, 2024 | 4,000 | 509 |
| 312 | August 27, 2024 | 3,300 | 507 |
| 309 | August 14, 2024 | 3,200 | 509 |
The prominent trends observed in Express Entry CEC draws 2024 are as follows:
- Higher Cutoff Score: CRS scores have remained highly competitive, with most draws in 2024 consistently surpassing 500.
- Larger Draw Sizes: the recent draw of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) aligns with the trend of larger draw sizes observed in September 2024.
Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker with GetGIS Assistance
The 2025 Express Entry draws have set an optimistic tone for skilled workers aiming to immigrate to Canada, emphasizing the country’s commitment to welcoming talent with Canadian experience and language proficiency.
Are you also planning your move to Canada? Let GetGIS lead the process for you. Our experts are dedicated to assisting you with everything from your Express Entry application to obtaining your PR visa, ensuring a hassle free transition.
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