The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) continues to be one of the most reliable and practical pathways to Canadian permanent residence for individuals who have already worked in Canada. In recent months, IRCC has again increased its focus on CEC-specific Express Entry draws, reinforcing Canada’s preference for candidates who are already contributing to the economy.

Latest Canadian Experience Class Draw – Key Highlights

In the most recent CEC-specific Express Entry draw, IRCC invited a large number of candidates who met the Canadian Experience Class eligibility criteria.

Instead of inviting candidates across all programs, IRCC limited this round to CEC-eligible profiles only, reducing competition from overseas applicants and Federal Skilled Worker profiles.

What Makes CEC Draws Different from General Express Entry Draws?

CEC draws are program-specific, which means only candidates with eligible Canadian work experience are ranked and invited. This has several advantages:

• You are not competing with overseas profiles
• CRS scores tend to be more stable
• Candidates already in Canada are prioritised
• Processing is generally smoother due to local work history

For many temporary residents, CEC draws represent the most realistic route to PR.

Why IRCC Is Prioritising CEC in 2025–2026

Canada’s immigration system is increasingly focused on retention, not just attraction. CEC aligns perfectly with this goal.

IRCC prefers candidates who:

• Have proven adaptability to Canada
• Are already working in skilled occupations
• Have Canadian tax, employment, and language history
• Can settle long-term with minimal integration risk

As a result, CEC-specific draws have become larger and more frequent, especially toward the end of the year.

Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?

To qualify under CEC, you must meet all of the following:

• At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada
• Work experience gained in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
• Experience acquired within the last 3 years
• Work performed with proper authorization
• Meet minimum language requirements based on your occupation
• Intend to live outside Quebec

Canadian work experience gained on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or employer-specific work permit is commonly used for CEC eligibility.

CRS Scores in CEC Express Entry draw: Next Express Entry Draw Prediction

CEC CRS score cut off usually sit lower than all-program draws, but higher than some category-based selections.

Key observations:

• CRS scores fluctuate less sharply
• Larger invitation rounds help stabilize scores
• Candidates with CRS in the 500 range often remain competitive
• Language scores and additional Canadian experience play a major role

If your CRS is not strong enough for general draws, CEC significantly improves your chances.

CEC vs Category

In the 2025 Express Entry system, the choice between CEC (Canadian Experience Class) and Category-based draws depends on your profile and occupation.

CEC Draws are program-specific, targeting candidates with at least one year of Canadian work experience. These draws are reliable but highly competitive, with 2025-26 CRS scores typically ranging between 515 and 547.

Category-based Draws prioritize candidates with specific skills regardless of their program (CEC or FSW). These focus on Healthcare, STEM, Trades, French Proficiency, and the new Education category. Because they target labor shortages, their CRS cut-offs are significantly lower, sometimes in the high 300s or 400s.

How to Improve Your Chances in Upcoming CEC Express Entry Draw

CEC CRS score cut off

Practical actions that genuinely matter:

1. Strengthen Language Scores

Even a small improvement in IELTS or CELPIP can add valuable CRS points.

2. Accumulate More Skilled Experience

Crossing experience milestones (1 year → 2 years) can significantly boost CRS.

3. Keep Your Express Entry Profile Updated

Outdated work dates or missing details can reduce your ranking.

4. Maintain Legal Status in Canada

CEC candidates must ensure continuous authorization to work or remain in Canada while waiting for an ITA.

Is CEC Still a Strong Pathway for International Graduates?

Yes — CEC remains one of the best PR pathways for international graduates who:

• Completed studies in Canada
• Gained skilled work experience on PGWP
• Are working in eligible occupations
• Meet language requirements

Many CEC applicants receive PR without needing a provincial nomination, making it faster and less complex.

What to Expect Next

Looking ahead, IRCC is expected to:

• Continue CEC-specific draws into 2026
• Use CEC to meet in-Canada PR targets
• Balance CEC with category-based and French-language draws
• Prioritise candidates already working in Canada

For candidates currently in Canada, staying CEC-ready is more important than chasing every new pathway.

Key Takeaway

The Canadian Experience Class remains a core pillar of Express Entry. If you have skilled Canadian work experience, CEC draws give you a clear advantage — fewer competitors, Next Express Entry draw prediction, and strong alignment with IRCC’s long-term immigration goals.