Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 500 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw—marking the first CEC-specific selection since February 2025.
Key Details of May 13 CEC Draw
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ITAs issued: 500
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Minimum CRS score: 547
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Profile submission deadline: May 21, 2024 (5:26 PM UTC)
This draw follows recent category-based selections for healthcare (May 2) and education (May 1) candidates, along with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on May 12.
2025 Express Entry Draw Trends at a Glance
Draw Summary (January – May 2025)
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare & Social Services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| Apr 28 | PNP | 421 | 727 |
| Apr 14 | PNP | 825 | 764 |
2025 Draw Distribution
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PNP draws dominate (8 total)
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4 CEC draws (Highest CRS: 547, Lowest: 521)
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3 French-language draws (CRS as low as 379)
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1 Healthcare & 1 Education draw (new categories)
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 34,440
Canada’s New Immigration Minister: Key Changes Ahead
Today’s draw marks the final selection under former Minister Rachel Bendayan. Newly appointed Minister Lena Metlege Diab is expected to implement policies including:
- Stabilized PR levels (1% of population by 2027)
- Increased francophone immigration
- Reformed Global Talent Stream (attracting top skilled workers)
- Reduced temporary resident numbers (work/study permit holders)
Anticipate updates via Minister Diab’s mandate letter soon.
Why This CEC Draw Matters
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First CEC draw in 3 months – signals renewed focus on in-Canada applicants
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CRS 547 is 26 points higher than February’s CEC draw (521)
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Competitive but achievable for candidates with 1+ year Canadian work experience
Pro Tip: CEC candidates often need CLB 7+ in English/French and valid Canadian work experience to qualify.
Next Steps for Express Entry Candidates
- Check your CRS score – Use IRCC’s official calculator
- Improve your profile – Boost language scores or gain additional work experience
- Prepare for future draws – PNP and French-language draws continue to offer lower CRS thresholds
Need guidance? [Book a consultation] with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
