Last Updated On 10 December 2025, 1:13 PM EST (Toronto Time)
On December 10, 2025, Canada issues 6,000 invitations to apply for permanent residency in the largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw of 2025, held on December 10.
This major round marks the most substantial CEC draw since July 17, 2024, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,300 invitations.
According to the official update, all candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 520 or higher received an invitation.
The CRS cutoff score dropped by 11 points as compared to the last CEC Express Entry draw on November 26.
With IRCC recalibrating its immigration strategy heading into 2026, high-volume CEC rounds help many in-Canada workers secure long-term stability.
Key Details Of The December 10 CEC Draw
- Program: Canadian Experience Class
- Date: December 10, 2025
- Invitations issued: 6,000
- CRS score required: 520
- Rank required: 6,000 or above
- Tie-breaking rule: July 15, 2025 at 17:30:33 UTC
Candidates who were already working in Canada, had valid Express Entry profiles, and met the CRS cutoff were prioritized in this round.
Because the CEC stream focuses on individuals with Canadian work experience, many temporary workers, international graduates, and transitioning applicants benefited from this significant draw.
Why This Draw Matters
This event sends a strong signal as IRCC shifts toward prioritizing in-Canada applicants heading into the 2026 immigration levels framework. Large CEC rounds:
- Help stabilize the temporary resident population
- Align with rising labour demands across multiple sectors
- Provide a predictable pathway for long-term workers already integrated into the Canadian workforce
For many awaiting a CEC-specific round of this scale, this draw significantly boosts opportunities for permanent residency before major policy changes arrive in 2026.
What happened after the previous large Express Entry Draw in July 2024?
Following the major Canadian Experience Class draw on July 17, 2024, where IRCC issued 6,300 ITAs, the department conducted a series of four consecutive biweekly CEC rounds.
Each of these draws remained substantial in size, ranging from 3,200 to 5,000 invitations:
- July 31, 2024 – 5,000 invitations (CRS 510)
- August 14, 2024 – 3,200 invitations (CRS 509)
- August 27, 2024 – 3,300 invitations (CRS 507)
- September 19, 2024 – 4,000 invitations (CRS 509)
These back-to-back rounds demonstrated IRCC’s short-term strategy at the time: reducing pressure on temporary resident volumes and accelerating pathways for workers already integrated into the Canadian labour market.
While IRCC may not necessarily follow the same pattern again, the government’s current and upcoming priorities suggest a strong focus on in-Canada applicants leading into 2026.
This could result in more large-scale draws in the coming weeks, especially as thousands of temporary residents await permanent residency opportunities before policy changes take effect.
All The CEC Express Entry Draws In 2025
Below is the complete list of CEC rounds of invitations conducted throughout 2025:
DateInvitationsCRS score
cutoffDecember 10, 20256,000520November 26, 20251,000531November 12, 20251,000533October 28, 20251,000533October 1, 20251,000534September 3, 20251,000534August 7, 20251,000534July 8, 20253,000518June 26, 20253,000521June 12, 20253,000529May 13, 2025500547February 5, 20254,000521January 23, 20254,000527January 8, 20251,350542
What Happens Next For Candidates
Applicants who received an invitation will now have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residency application.
This includes providing documentation for work experience, education, police certificates, language test results, and proof of funds when applicable.
IRCC is expected to continue adjusting draw sizes and CRS thresholds as it works toward the 2026–2028 immigration priorities, including a stronger focus on applicants with Canadian work experience and streamlined pathways for essential workers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are more large CEC draws expected in 2026?
With federal policy shifting toward prioritizing in-Canada applicants and managing temporary resident volumes, larger CEC draws may continue into 2026. Although IRCC does not guarantee draw sizes or frequency, recent policy direction and labour market pressures indicate a potential for more high-volume rounds as the government prepares for its next phase of permanent residency pathways.
Can international graduates benefit from CEC draws?
Yes. International graduates who have gained at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience often form a major portion of the CEC pool. Many rely on these draws to secure PR before their temporary status expires. When IRCC increases the size of CEC rounds, graduates with competitive CRS scores often see improved chances of receiving an invitation.
How does IRCC decide when to hold a large CEC draw?
IRCC typically assesses several indicators before conducting large draws, including the number of temporary residents approaching work permit expiry, Express Entry inventory levels, and annual targets set in the immigration levels plan. When there is increased focus on transitioning in-Canada workers, larger CEC rounds become more likely, especially during periods of economic demand.
How quickly must applicants submit documents after receiving an ITA?
Anyone who receives an invitation through CEC must submit their complete PR application within 60 days. This includes final language test results, police certificates, proof of qualifying Canadian work experience, and other supporting documents. Preparing these materials in advance significantly reduces the risk of delays or incomplete submissions.
Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada.
Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website
8 December 2025, 11:04 AM EST8 December 2025, 11:04 AM EST
6 December 2025, 4:06 PM EST6 December 2025, 4:06 PM EST
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