Big news for immigration hopefuls! On July 8, 2025, Canada invited 3,000 skilled workers through its CEC Express Entry draw to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). Is the CRS score required? Just 518 — a noticeable drop compared to the last round!
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
What Happened in the Latest CEC Express Entry Draw?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is back with another CEC Express Entry draw, and it's great news if you’re already living and working in Canada. This draw only targeted applicants under the Canadian Experience Class – people who’ve already contributed to the country’s economy.
Details of the July 8, 2025 Draw:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| Draw Date | July 8, 2025 |
| Number of Invitations (ITAs) | 3,000 |
| Minimum CRS Score Required | 518 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | October 2, 2024 – 1:48:36 UTC |
The CEC Express Entry pathway is a major route for people who’ve studied or worked in Canada and are ready to become permanent residents.
Why This Draw Stands Out
Here’s why this CEC Express Entry draw is making headlines:
- The CRS cut-off dropped from 521 (June 26) to 518.
- It reflects IRCC’s strategy to retain foreign talent already contributing to Canada’s workforce.
- Canada plans to welcome 124,680 new immigrants through Express Entry in 2025 – many of them through the Canadian Experience Class.
CRS Score Distribution – Where Do You Stand?
As of July 6, 2025, here’s how the Express Entry pool looked:
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 358 |
| 501–600 | 22,591 |
| 451–500 | 77,550 |
| 401–450 | 72,608 |
| 351–400 | 53,697 |
| 301–350 | 21,135 |
| 0–300 | 8,285 |
| Total | 256,224 |
🔸 With so many applicants between 451 and 500, even a few extra CRS points can make a huge difference. Huge differences emerge with a few extra CRS points amidst numerous applicants scoring between 451 and 500.
What Makes You Eligible for CEC Express Entry?
Already residing in Canada and pondering permanent residency might make the Canadian Experience Class a pretty decent remarkably suitable option.
Basic Requirements for Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (full-time or part-time equivalent).
- Work must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Must meet language benchmarks:
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs.
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
You must be admissible to Canada and create an Express Entry profile.
You've likely already got eligibility if studying in Canada preceded working on a Post-Graduation Work Permit pretty recently already.
What Happens After You Receive an ITA?
Receiving an Invitation to Apply via CEC Express Entry can be exhilarating but candidates must respond with alacrity.
Here’s what to do next:
Accept the ITA in your IRCC profile within 60 days.
Gather key documents:
- Valid passport
- IELTS/CELPIP/TEF scores
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of Canadian work experience
- Police certificates and medical exams
- Submit your PR application online.
- Pay the required fee (approx. CAD 1,365).
- Wait for approval – most CEC applications are processed within 6 months.
Recap: All CEC Draws in 2025
| Date | Number of ITAs | CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 | 1,350 | 542 |
| Jan 23 | 4,000 | 527 |
| Feb 5 | 4,000 | 521 |
| May 13 | 500 | 547 |
| June 12 | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 26 | 3,000 | 521 |
| July 8 | 3,000 | 518 |
Total ITAs in 2025 (so far): 18,850
Is a CRS Score of 515–520 Good Enough?
Yes — especially now. With the CEC Express Entry cut-off dropping to 518, anyone scoring 515 or above should stay alert and ready.
The Canadian Experience Class will become more accessible in 2025, and if IRCC keeps issuing 3,000+ ITAs, the CRS score could drop even further.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Succeed
Visa Solutions 4u is here to guide you at every step of your CEC Express Entry journey. Whether you're creating your profile, boosting your CRS score, or responding to an ITA — we’re with you.
We offer:
- Free CRS eligibility assessment
- One-on-one consultation for your CEC Express Entry profile
- Help with ECA, IELTS/CELPIP prep, and documentation
- Full PR application filing and tracking
- Updates on the latest Express Entry draw trends
- Backup strategies like PNP nominations
Don't leave your future to chance — let our experts help you build your Canadian dream.
Final Thoughts
This latest CEC Express Entry draw is proof that Canada continues to value skilled professionals with local experience. If you’re working or studying in Canada, now is the time to prepare. With CRS scores slowly dropping and IRCC aiming to welcome over 124,000 new permanent residents this year, your opportunity may be just around the corner.
Stay ready, stay informed, and consider expert guidance with Visa Solutions 4u. The door to Canadian PR is open — walk through it!
