Canada Passes 100,000 Express Entry ITAs For 2025 With Largest CEC Draw of Year

Introduction to Canada’s 2025 Immigration Momentum

2025 has shaped up to be one of the most exciting years in Canada’s immigration history, especially now that the country has officially surpassed 100,000 Express Entry Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This milestone means aspiring immigrants worldwide have more opportunities than ever before, reflecting a significant shift in policy, labor demands, and Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled newcomers.

Why 2025 is a Landmark Year for Express Entry

Unlike previous years, 2025 is witnessing faster draw cycles, lower CRS requirements, and category-based selections at full force. Crossing 100,000 ITAs isn’t just a number—it reflects Canada’s urgent need for talent.

Understanding Express Entry in 2025

An ITA (Invitation to Apply) is your official selection to apply for permanent residence. While CRS scores still matter, the increasing use of category-based draws means many profiles with lower scores are now being chosen under streams like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Canada’s Largest CEC Draw of the Year

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The CEC is designed for people who already have skilled work experience inside Canada, such as international students and temporary foreign workers.

Details of the Biggest CEC Draw in 2025

The largest CEC draw of the year invited tens of thousands of candidates in a single round. The CRS cut-off was surprisingly low, allowing many with just one year of Canadian experience to qualify. This focus on the CEC category is because Canada is prioritizing people who are already integrated into the economy.

CRS Score Trends in 2025

Falling Scores and What They Mean

CRS cut-offs have been dropping across various categories, including STEM, healthcare, trades, and CEC. Lower scores mean more inclusivity for skilled applicants. Your occupation may now matter more than your CRS score.

Which Profiles Benefit the Most

Nurses, software developers, data analysts, welders, truck drivers, French speakers, and international graduates are among the top beneficiaries in 2025.

Economic and Policy Reasons Behind the Surge

The increase in ITAs is driven by Canada’s labor market gaps, ambitious government immigration targets for 2025, and urgent requests from provinces like Ontario, BC, and Alberta for more skilled workers.

How the 100,000 ITA Milestone Impacts Applicants

This milestone signals that more and bigger draws are coming. For international students and workers in Canada, CEC-focused draws mean higher chances than ever. With high ITA numbers and lower CRS scores, 2025 presents the best window for applicants in years.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Their Influence:

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are aggressively targeting skilled workers, which in turn increases overall ITAs and can lower federal CRS thresholds.

What This Means for Future Express Entry Draws

With more frequent draws expected, CRS scores may continue to fall. Experts predict weekly or biweekly draws in major categories and expect bigger CEC and category-based draws as Canada works to stabilize its labor shortages.

Preparing for Express Entry in 2025

Improving Your CRS Score

You can boost your score by gaining more work experience, improving your English/French scores, securing a PNP nomination, or pursuing Canadian education.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

1. Create an EE Profile: Enter your details accurately.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather your passport, work proof, language scores, and ECA report.
3. After Receiving an ITA: Submit your full PR application within 60 days.

Conclusion

Canada surpassing 100,000 Express Entry ITAs in 2025 is a major signal that the country is fully committed to welcoming skilled immigrants. With the largest CEC draw of the year and continued lowering of CRS cut-offs, this is one of the best times to apply. Whether you're an international student, a skilled worker, or a French-language candidate, the doors to Canada are wider than ever.

FAQs

1. What does receiving an ITA mean?

It means you are officially invited to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system.

2. Are CRS scores dropping in 2025?

Yes, due to an increase in category-based draws and higher overall ITA targets, CRS score requirements have been trending lower for specific categories.

3. Why was the CEC draw so huge this year?

Canada is prioritizing candidates with local work experience because they can integrate into the economy and society more quickly.

4. Can international students apply for Express Entry?

Yes, international students are prime candidates for Express Entry, especially through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category after gaining at least one year of skilled work experience.

5. Should I apply now or wait?

You should apply now. With over 100,000 ITAs issued and lower CRS scores in many categories, 2025 presents some of the best opportunities for applicants in years.