On October 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of Express Entry. According to the Ministerial Instructions published by IRCC, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 534.
This round of invitations specifically targeted candidates with prior Canadian work experience, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on retaining skilled talent already contributing to the Canadian labour market.
Key Results of the October 1, 2025 CEC Draw
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Number of ITAs issued: 1,000
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CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 534
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Tie-breaking rule: February 21, 2025, at 04:01:57 UTC
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Draw type: Canadian Experience Class
Under the tie-breaking rule, candidates who had a CRS score of 534 were only invited if they had submitted their Express Entry profile on or before February 21, 2025.
Why the Canadian Experience Class Matters
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three main immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is designed for skilled workers who have already gained Canadian work experience and wish to transition to permanent residence. CEC candidates often have an advantage because:
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They have proven adaptability in Canada’s labour market.
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Their Canadian work experience aligns with the country’s economic needs.
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They may not be required to demonstrate proof of settlement funds if they are already working in Canada.
For many temporary foreign workers and international graduates, the CEC pathway provides a direct and efficient route to permanent residency.
What This Draw Means for Candidates
With a cut-off score of 534, this draw demonstrates that the Canadian Experience Class continues to favour highly competitive candidates. However, applicants can improve their CRS scores through:
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Obtaining higher language test results (English or French).
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Securing a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points.
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Gaining additional Canadian work experience.
It is important for candidates to maintain an up-to-date and accurate Express Entry profile, as Ministerial Instructions clearly state that invitations are issued based on rank and profile submission date.
Next Steps for Invited Candidates
If you received an ITA on October 1, 2025, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC within 60 days. This includes providing all supporting documents, such as:
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Proof of work experience in Canada.
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Valid language test results.
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Educational credential assessments (if applicable).
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Police certificates and medical examinations.
Failure to meet the deadline may result in the ITA expiring, requiring the candidate to wait for another draw.
Navigating the Express Entry process requires careful preparation and compliance with IRCC requirements. At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we assist foreign nationals, work permit holders, and investors in preparing competitive applications that meet Canadian immigration standards.
If you were invited in this round—or if you are planning to enter the Express Entry pool—our legal team can guide you through:
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Profile optimization strategies.
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Documentation review and preparation.
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Options to improve your CRS score.
The October 1, 2025 Canadian Experience Class draw is another reminder that strong CRS scores remain key to receiving an ITA. With careful planning and professional legal guidance, foreign nationals already working in Canada can maximize their chances of successfully transitioning to permanent residency.
