On May 13, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a targeted Express Entry draw focused exclusively on candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence were issued to eligible individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547.

This draw highlights Canada’s continued efforts to prioritize skilled workers with Canadian experience – professionals who are already integrated into the labour market and positioned to contribute long-term.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we help corporations, individuals, and families navigate Canada’s immigration pathways with confidence. Here is what you need to know about the latest draw and how it may affect your immigration strategy.

Express Entry Draw Details – May 13, 2025

• A total of 500 candidates received ITAs under the CEC category.
• The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 547.
• Only candidates under the CEC were considered.
• In the event of a tie at the lowest score, IRCC used the tie-breaking rule from May 21, 2024 at 17:26:27 UTC based on the date and time of profile submission.

Only candidates who met or exceeded the CRS score of 547 were invited.

What Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three main immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is tailored to foreign nationals who have gained at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, with proper Canadian work authorization. Eligible Canadian work experience places CEC applicants in a strong position for Canadian permanent residence due to their familiarity with Canadian society, workplaces, culture, and pre-established ties to Canada.

Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible for permanent residency under the CEC stream:

• Possess at least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time, paid Canadian work experience within the past three years;
• Have Canadian work experience in a training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation;
• Meet minimum English and French language test scores;
• Not be inadmissible to Canada; and,
• Intend to live outside of Québec.

There is no minimum education requirement. For candidates already working or who have recently worked in Canada, the CEC offers a fast and efficient pathway to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Why the CRS Score Matters

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability impact the score. With a minimum CRS score of 547 in this draw, it’s clear that even strong candidates must present well-rounded, optimized Express Entry profiles to be competitive.

While this draw didn’t include Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants, who benefit from a 600-point boost, it shows candidates with Canadian work experience can still receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency without a nomination, provided they meet the right criteria.

CRS Score Distribution in the Express Entry Pool of Candidates (as of May 13, 2025)

How Zohil-Morton Law Can Support Your Immigration Goals

As a trusted Canadian immigration law firm, Zohil-Morton Law helps clients navigate Express Entry and all related immigration pathways. Whether you’re applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), looking to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, or unsure how to build a strong Express Entry profile, we provide tailored legal guidance to help you succeed.

Our services include:

• Determining your eligibility for Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Identifying strategies to increase your CRS score.
• Preparing and reviewing your application for completeness and accuracy.
• Advising you post-ITA, through to Canadian permanent residency approval.
• Managing all communications with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to minimize the risk of delays or refusals.

Ready to Immigrate to Canada?

If you’re working in Canada or have recent skilled Canadian experience, you may be well-positioned for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Let a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer like Cristina Zohil-Morton, Founding Lawyer of Zohil-Morton Law, guide you through the process with confidence and clarity.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca.