Express Entry Update 2025 – CEC CRS Drops to 531 in Latest Draw
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.