1,000 Invitations in Latest Canadian Experience Class Draw – October 2025 Update

Key Summary (October 1, 2025)

• 1,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) issued under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream with CRS cut-off score: 534.

• Candidates needed to have created an Express Entry profile before February 21, 2025 (4:01 a.m. UTC).

• This is the 10th CEC draw in 2025 and the third consecutive draw with the same cut-off and ITA size.

• PNP is another fast way to be invited for PR. As per QuestJobs reserach, there are currently over 36,000 PR eligible jobs under PNP's in different provinces. 

What Happened in This Draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues its targeted Express Entry approach in 2025. On October 1, IRCC invited 1,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates.

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the most important pathways for temporary residents already working in Canada. It rewards candidates with Canadian work experience, making it one of the fastest routes to permanent residency. The last three CEC draws (August 7, September 3, and October 1) all had the same size (1,000 ITAs) and CRS cut-off (534). Earlier in 2025, IRCC ran larger CEC draws (e.g., 3,000 invitations in June and July). The current pattern suggests IRCC is pacing out CEC invitations monthly. A CRS score of 534 remains the benchmark — competitive but achievable for those with Canadian work experience, higher education, and strong language scores.

While the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) has received thousands of ITA allocations this year, one of the fastest ways to secure an ITA is through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Candidates nominated under a PNP under the Express Entry route, receive a 600-point CRS boost, virtually guaranteeing an invitation. One of the most direct ways to qualify for a PNP nomination is by landing a PR-eligible job in a participating province.

QuestJobs currently lists over 36,000 PR-eligible jobs spread across 22 PR pathways nationwide. Active PNP programs can be found in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Among these, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta remain the top three provinces with the most PR-eligible jobs available.

Express Entry Trends in 2025

So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 66,838 ITAs across different streams with PNP having one the most ITA's issued. Here’s the breakdown by draw type,

Key Takeaways

• French-language draws remain the largest source of ITAs, signaling IRCC’s push for bilingual talent.

• CEC continues to be central for international graduates and workers already in Canada.

• PNP draws have high CRS cut-offs due to the 600-point boost from provincial nominations.

• Healthcare, social services, education, and trades are priority occupation streams, reflecting Canada’s labour market needs.

Looking Ahead

This October 1 draw is the first of the month, following three draws in September:

• PNP (Sept 29) – 291 ITAs, CRS 855

• Trades (Sept 18) – 1,250 ITAs, CRS 505

• Education (Sept 17) – 2,500 ITAs, CRS 462

With monthly patterns emerging, candidates should anticipate continued targeted draws rather than broad all-program draws. Those with Canadian work experience (CEC) and French skills remain in the strongest position for 2025.

At QuestJobs, we’re tracking every Express Entry draw and analyzing how they affect job seekers on PR pathways. The CEC remains critical for international students and temporary workers who want to transition to PR quickly.

If you’re a current student or worker in Canada, focus on,

• Gaining skilled Canadian work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs.

• Maximizing CRS through language test retakes and higher education.

• Targeting PR-eligible employers who can strengthen your profile.

Explore QuestJobs to find verified, PR-eligible jobs in Canada that align with Express Entry and PNP programs.