OTTAWA HELD A NEW CEC DRAW AND INVITES 5,000 EXPRESS ENTRY CANDIDATES
Canada’s immigration system demonstrated significant momentum in December 2025, issuing 5,000 new invitations to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). With a cut-off score of 515 points, this draw marks a major milestone as the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirement for this category throughout the entire year, exceeding labour market expectations.
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights the federal government's commitment to retaining talent that is already actively contributing to the Canadian economy and reinforces the status of the Express Entry system as the primary pathway to permanent residency.
Key Express Entry Results for December 2025
Invitation round #387 recorded:
5,000 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in a single draw.
107,998 total invitations issued so far in 2025.
CRS cut-off score: 515 points, the lowest of the year for CEC candidates.
Tie-breaking rule: September 9, 2025, at 18:58:59 UTC.
Record participation from candidates with prior work experience within Canada.
Category Performance and Statistics:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
35,850 ITAs granted through 15 targeted draws in 2025.
Strong focus on transitioning temporary workers and international graduates to permanent residents.
Express Entry Pool Statistics
387 invitation rounds successfully completed to date.
Continued momentum driven by the need to retain specialized talent already residing in the country.
The cut-off score decreased by 5 points compared to the previous CEC draw, expanding access for more candidates.
Sectors Driving Demand for CEC Candidates
The Government of Canada continues to benefit from the integration of candidates in:
Healthcare and Assistance Services: A sector with a high density of workers already holding open or employer-specific work permits.
Professional and Technical Services: Driven by the digitization of the economy and the growing need for specialized consultancy.
Skilled Trades: A national priority to address the housing crisis and support massive infrastructure projects. These draws align closely with immigration strategies that prioritize skilled workers who have already demonstrated their ability to adapt to the Canadian labour market.
Why CEC Remains an Attractive Pathway for Skilled Workers
The CEC program offers:
✔ Priority processing and faster timelines.
✔ No requirement to show proof of settlement funds (if currently working).
✔ Direct recognition of local work experience.
✔ High success rate in long-term economic settlement.
✔ Immigration pathways aligned with current labour demands.
This sustained performance makes the CEC category the preferred choice for international graduates and workers on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Canada Enters 2026 with Strong Immigration Momentum
With 5,000 new invitees and a downward trend in cut-off scores, the Express Entry system is well-positioned for continued expansion in 2026. IRCC’s performance highlights the country’s economic resilience and its critical need for skilled labour with local roots.
Global Opportunities can help evaluate your eligibility for Canada’s immigration pathways and prepare a competitive application for the Express Entry system.