On October 28, Canada issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a new Express Entry draw, specifically for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. This round required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 533, which is a decrease from the 534 needed in the previous draw on October 1, which also issued 1,000 ITAs. This event marks the latest effort by Canadian immigration authorities to attract skilled professionals to the country.
Recent Express Entry Draws Overview
The recent ITA draw follows a series of draws throughout 2025. On October 27, for instance, 302 ITAs were issued for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, with a minimum CRS score of 761.
Express Entry Draws in 2025
- 20 draws for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- 11 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
- 6 draws focused on French language proficiency
- 2 draws aimed at educational occupations
- 5 draws targeting healthcare and social services
- 1 draw for trade occupations
Express Entry Draws in 2024
- 9 all-program draws
- 11 draws for French speakers
- 1 draw focused on transport jobs
- 1 draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations
- 3 draws targeting healthcare occupations
- 1 draw for STEM occupations
- 14 draws for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- 10 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
- 2 draws aimed at trade occupations
Statistics on ITAs
As of now, Canada has issued a total of 74,518 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025, contrasting with 98,903 ITAs in 2024. In 2023, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided 110,266 ITAs, which was an increase from 45,115 candidates invited in 2022. Canada set a record in 2021 with 114,431 ITAs issued specifically to CEC and PNP candidates, surpassing the previous high of 107,350 from 2020.
Implementation of Tie-Breaking Rules
The latest draw also implemented the tie-breaking rule established on March 21, 2025, at 12:16 AM EST. Under this rule, candidates with the same minimum CRS score were only considered if they submitted their profiles before this timestamp. This reflects a commitment to maintaining a fair selection process for potential applicants.
Next Steps for Candidates and Employers
Candidates must act quickly by submitting their applications within a 60-day window to receive consideration. Typically, applications are processed within six months. Securing a job offer in Canada remains one of the most effective strategies for candidates to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA in future draws.
Employers looking to attract foreign workers can streamline the recruitment process by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a nomination under province-specific programs. Engaging immigration legal services can assist in this endeavor, ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration policies while enhancing candidate attraction.
