On 13th May, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finally had an Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class program, after a period of over 3 months.
It is good news that CEC draws resumes on the one hand but bad news that the comprehensive ranking system (CRS) cutoff score increased to 547 which is highest for 2025 -on the other side.
In addition, IRCC only issued 500 invitations to apply for becoming a permanent resident through the Express Entry draw today, which is not a big number.
Below are the details of the CEC Express Entry Draw On May 13
Category/Program: Canadian Experience Class
Date and time: May 13, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 547
Number of invitations issued: 500
Rank needed: 500 or above
Tie-breaking rule: May 21, 2024 at 17:26:27 UTC
The cut off is decided for the time and date that the candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles only when different candidates have the lowest score.
As a result of the temporary suspension of CEC rounds of invitations since February 5, 2025, and little number of invitations sent during today’s draw, the cut off score is high.
We hope that IRCC holds bigger rounds of invitations guided by the new immigration minister – Lena Metlege Diab sworn in on May 13.
Below is the latest CRS score distribution in the pool, as per IRCC.
CRS Score Distribution In The Pool As of May 13
| CRS score range | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 601-1200 | 28 |
| 501-600 | 22,435 |
| 451-500 | 73,741 |
| 491-500 | 12,429 |
| 481-490 | 12,704 |
| 471-480 | 16,641 |
| 461-470 | 16,691 |
| 451-460 | 15,276 |
| 401-450 | 69,673 |
| 441-450 | 14,439 |
| 431-440 | 15,241 |
| 421-430 | 13,718 |
| 411-420 | 13,589 |
| 401-410 | 12,686 |
| 351-400 | 53,684 |
| 301-350 | 22,069 |
| 0-300 | 8,452 |
| Total | 250,082 |
How to Boost Your CRS Score in 2025
Your CRS score is the key to securing an ITA.
The score is determined by factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency and among others provincial nominations.
1. Improve Language Proficiency
Tests Accepted: IELTS (English) or TEF (French).
Impact: Higher language scores can add up to 136 points for single applicants or 150 points for those with a spouse.
Strategy: Retake language tests to achieve CLB 9 or higher in all four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
2. Gain More Work Experience
Skilled Work: Add years of experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Impact: Up to 80 points for foreign work experience or 100 points for Canadian work experience.
Credentials: A master’s degree or PhD can add up to 135 points.
Strategy: Get your credentials assessed by a designated organization like WES to ensure they meet Canadian standards.
4. Secure a Provincial Nomination
Impact: Adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
Strategy: Research provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta for PNP streams aligned with your profile.
5. Include a Spouse or Partner
Impact: A spouse with strong language skills or education can add up to 40 points.
Strategy: Ensure your spouse takes language tests and has their credentials assessed.
All The CEC Express Entry Draws In 2025
| Date | Round type | Invitations issued | CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |