Islamabad, Jan 27: Canada’s Express Entry system continues to be a prime pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency, with recent draws offering new opportunities for candidates. On January 23, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. This marked the second CEC draw of the year, following the January 8 draw, which had a slightly higher CRS score cut-off of 542.
In this latest draw, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was set at 527, with the tie-breaking rule applying to profiles submitted before July 23, 2024, at 07:06:43 UTC. The CRS pool at the time of the draw comprised 232,924 candidates, with the largest group 67,548 individuals falling in the 451-500 CRS score range.
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The CEC program is specifically designed for skilled workers already employed in Canada who wish to transition to permanent residency. To be eligible, candidates must have at least one year of paid skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years, gained under a valid temporary resident status. This program does not accept unpaid internships, volunteer work, or unauthorized employment as qualifying experience.
For those who have received an ITA, the Express Entry system provides a streamlined process for permanent residency application, making it an attractive option for skilled workers globally. Additionally, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers another avenue for permanent residency, with the first PNP draw of 2025 taking place on January 7, issuing 471 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 793.
As Express Entry draws continue to take place throughout the year, skilled workers with Canadian experience are encouraged to consider their eligibility and ensure their documentation is prepared to take advantage of the opportunities these draws present.
