Canada has issued another encouraging update for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the second CEC-specific Express Entry draw of November 2025. The latest draw invited 1,000 candidates and brought the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off down to 531, marking the lowest CEC cut-off score since July 2025.
A Notable Drop After Months of Stability
For several months, CEC draws maintained CRS thresholds within the 533–534 range. This consistent pattern, observed in multiple articles across industry sources, suggested a tightly competitive landscape.
The new cut-off of 531—though only slightly lower—signals a shift and provides meaningful opportunities for applicants with CRS scores in the low 530s.
Key Details of the November 26, 2025 Draw
- Draw Date: November 26, 2025
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 1,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 531
- Lowest CEC Cut-Off Since: July 2025
This is also the second CEC-only draw within the same month, indicating a possible renewed prioritization of candidates with Canadian work experience.
2025 — Summary of Key Express Entry Draws & CRS Cut-off Trends
Here’s a table summarizing major Express Entry draws in 2025 (selected draws across different categories):
| Date | Draw Type | Invitations (ITAs) | CRS Cut-off Score |
| Nov 26, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 531 |
| Nov 25, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 777 | 699 |
| Nov 14, 2025 | Healthcare & social services occupations | 3,500 | 462 |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 533 |
| Nov 10, 2025 | PNP | 714 | 738 |
| Oct 29, 2025 | French-language proficiency | 6,000 | 416 |
| Oct 28, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 533 |
| Oct 1, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 534 |
| Sep 3, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 534 |
| Aug 7, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,000 | 534 |
| July 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,000 | 518 |
| June 26, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 12, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,000 | 529 |
| May 13, 2025 | Express Entry general draw | 500 | 547 |
| Feb 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
| Jan 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
Why This CRS Drop Matters
The CRS decrease—though modest—carries significant implications:
- More competitive candidates can now enter the invitation range
Applicants hovering at 530–532 now have stronger chances in subsequent draws. - CEC remains a stable and reliable pathway
In 2025, IRCC has balanced draw types, including PNP, category-based draws, and all-program rounds. Despite this, CEC continues to feature regularly, demonstrating Canada’s ongoing preference for experienced workers already integrated into the labour market. - Potential softening of competition
If similar trends follow, Express Entry candidates with mid- to high-520s may find increased opportunities in coming months. - Category-Based & Non-CEC Draws Offer Alternative Pathways
2025 has seen large draws under French-language proficiency (e.g. 6,000 ITAs, CRS ~416), healthcare & social services (e.g. 3,500 ITAs, CRS ~462), PNP, and others. These provide options beyond CEC, especially for those with skills or language proficiency matching the categories.
What Candidates Should Do Now
- Ensure Express Entry profiles are updated with the latest work experience, education, and language test results.
- Consider boosting CRS through strategies such as improved language scores, additional work experience, or provincial nomination pathways.
- Monitor future draws closely—especially if IRCC continues to prioritize CEC candidates.
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