Latest Express Entry Draw Highlights Continued Focus on Canadian Experience Class
The most recent Express Entry draw was held on May 13, 2025, targeting candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category. This marks the fourth CEC-specific draw of the year and demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to selecting skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency were issued, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required standing at 547. This high cut-off reflects the increasing competitiveness of CEC draws in 2025.
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Key Details of the May 13, 2025 CEC Draw
- Draw Type: Canadian Experience Class
- Date and Time: May 13, 2025
- Minimum CRS Score: 547
- Number of Invitations Issued: 500
- Tie-breaking Rule: May 21, 2024, at 17:26:27 UTC
- Required Ranking: Top 500 candidates or higher
CEC Draws in 2025: A Year of Selective Invitations
Here is a summary of all Canadian Experience Class-specific draws conducted in 2025 so far:
| Draw Number | Date | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 347 | May 13, 2025 | 500 | 547 |
| 335 | February 5, 2025 | 4,000 | 521 |
| 333 | January 23, 2025 | 4,000 | 527 |
| 332 | January 8, 2025 | 1,350 | 542 |
As of this latest round, 34,440 total ITAs have been issued through the Express Entry system in 2025.
Breakdown of 2025 Express Entry Draws by Category
The Express Entry program continues to use both general and category-based draws to invite skilled workers who align with Canada’s labor market priorities. Here’s how 2025 draws are distributed across categories:
| Draw Category | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 8 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4 |
| French-language Proficiency | 3 |
| Education | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
Draws in recent months have shown a shift toward sector-based and language-focused selections, especially targeting healthcare workers and French-speaking candidates outside Quebec.
New Immigration Minister Takes Office: Lena Metlege Diab Appointed
This May 13 draw also coincides with a significant transition in Canada’s immigration leadership. It is the final draw overseen by outgoing Minister Rachel Bendayan. The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab has now assumed office as the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, following a cabinet shuffle under Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Minister Diab’s appointment signals a new phase in Canadian immigration policy, as she prepares to implement the federal government’s evolving immigration objectives.
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What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration Strategy?
Under Minister Diab’s leadership, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expected to focus on the following key priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister:
Stabilizing Permanent Resident Intake
Canada plans to stabilize its permanent resident intake to approximately 1% of the national population by 2027, aligning immigration growth with population trends and housing capacity.
Boosting Francophone Immigration
Increasing the share of French-speaking immigrants—especially outside Quebec—is a renewed priority to support linguistic diversity and meet provincial labor needs.
Revamping the Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Expect a revamp of the Global Talent Stream, aiming to make Canada more competitive in attracting highly skilled tech and innovation professionals from around the world.
Managing Temporary Resident Levels
Canada also plans to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students and work permit holders, to rebalance the immigration system and address strain on housing and public services.
The government’s full direction will become clearer once Minister Diab’s mandate letter is released in the coming weeks.