Canada holds new Express Entry draw for CEC applicants
Canada Holds Second Express Entry Draw of November 2025
The second Express Entry draw of November took place on November 12, 2025, and focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.
A total of 1,000 applicants received invitations to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). As the year nears its end, this draw continues the trend of strong activity in Canada’s immigration system.
Interestingly, the number of invitations and the CRS cut-off score of 533 have remained the same for the last five CEC draws.
Overview of the Draw
This draw maintained a high CRS cut-off, showing just how competitive the CEC pool remains.
The tie-breaking rule was applied to candidates who submitted their profiles on or before October 17, 2025, at 03:39:05 UTC.
In simple terms, if multiple candidates had the same CRS score of 533, only those who submitted their profiles earlier than the tie-break timestamp received invitations.
CRS Score Distribution in the Pool
To understand why the CRS cut-off stayed at 533, it helps to look at the CRS score distribution before the draw.
As of November 9, there were 244,992 candidates in the Express Entry pool. Among them, over 26,000 candidates were in the 501–600 range — a highly competitive segment.
This heavy concentration of high-scoring candidates continues to push CRS cut-offs upward, making the draws challenging for those with lower scores.
CRS Score Breakdown
| CRS Score Range | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| 501–600 | 26,396 |
| 451–500 | 70,175 |
| 401–450 | 68,939 |
| 351–400 | 52,360 |
| 301–350 | 19,104 |
| 0–300 | 8,018 |
| Total | 244,992 |
Why the Cut-off Remains High
Because thousands of profiles fall within the 451–600 range, even a small difference in scores can make a big impact.
As a result, CEC draws continue to require high CRS scores, especially since these draws don’t include other categories like Provincial Nominee or French-speaking streams.
How Candidates Can Improve Their CRS Score
Even though competition is strong, there are still several ways to boost your CRS score and improve your chances in future draws.
1. Retake Language Tests
Language scores are one of the biggest factors in CRS ranking. Therefore, retaking your test and improving your IELTS or CELPIP scores can make a noticeable difference.
2. Gain More Work Experience
For CEC applicants, more work experience in Canada can strengthen your profile and increase your total points.
3. Upgrade Your Education
If possible, adding another educational credential can also help raise your CRS score.
4. Apply for a Provincial Nomination
If eligible, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can add 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing an invitation.
5. Keep Your Profile Updated
Make sure your Express Entry profile is accurate and complete. Even a small mistake or outdated information could affect your ranking or eligibility.
What to Expect Next
As we move deeper into November 2025, more Express Entry draws are expected before the end of the year.
Traditionally, the final months often include multiple rounds as IRCC works to meet its annual immigration targets.
Therefore, candidates should stay prepared, keep documents ready, and continue improving their profiles — especially those targeting the Canadian Experience Class.
Key Takeaways
1,000 invitations issued under the Canadian Experience Class
CRS cut-off: 533
Tie-break date: October 17, 2025
High competition due to many candidates in top CRS ranges
More draws likely before the end of 2025
Summary
The November 12 CEC draw once again highlights the strength and competitiveness of Canada’s immigration system.
Even though CRS scores remain high, consistent draw activity means there are still opportunities for qualified candidates.
So, if you’re planning to apply, now is the time to enhance your profile, retake your language test, or explore PNP options.
With the right strategy, your Express Entry invitation could arrive sooner than you think.
Get in touch with us
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
