Ottawa Express Entry Draw Invites 3,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Round
June 13, 2025
In a welcome development for hopeful permanent residents, the Ottawa Express Entry draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 12, 2025, was dedicated exclusively to candidates within the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The draw represents a major leap in Canada’s continued work to welcome skilled workers already making contributions to the Canadian economy and society.
3,000 ITAs Issued Under Canadian Experience Class
At Express Entry Draw #351, the IRCC offered 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to qualifying candidates in the CEC group. This Ottawa Express Entry draw is a clear signal of Canada’s focus on acknowledging and retaining talented workers who already possess Canadian work experience-one of the primary forces that enable prosperous long-term settlement and integration.
The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score needed in this round was 529 points, which is a significant drop of 18 points from the last CEC-focused draw. The reduced CRS cut-off increases chances for most skilled applicants who have already demonstrated their capacity to excel in Canada’s labour market.
The cut-off date for this round was September 28, 2024, at 18:06:46 UTC, and thus candidates who lodged their Express Entry profiles prior to this date with a CRS value of 529 or more were invited.
Ottawa Express Entry Draw: A Key Immigration Pathway
The Express Entry system continues to be one of Canada’s most effective and merit-based immigration streams. It processes applications for three main federal economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The latest Ottawa Express Entry draw demonstrates how the system continues to value skilled workers that enrich Canada’s economy and are prepared to become permanent residents.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC stream specifically benefits individuals who already have at least one year of Canadian skilled work experience, allowing them to transition more easily to permanent residence.
As of June 11, 2025, a total of 257,557 profiles were registered in the Express Entry pool, highlighting the growing interest in Canadian immigration among global professionals and international graduates.
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Targets on Track
Through this recent Ottawa Express Entry draw, Canada has issued 38,342 invitations through 21 Express Entry draws so far in 2025, reflecting consistent improvement towards achieving the annual immigration goals. These periodic draws reinforce IRCC’s consistent moves to welcome skilled workers who can benefit the nation’s economic growth and population sustainability.
The CEC draws, specifically, have a critical role to play in the facilitation of international students and overseas workers to become permanent residents. These are people who are usually settled well in Canada, know Canadian work culture, and have good language skills—attributes that are responsible for their long-term success.
Why does the Canadian Experience Class Matters?
The Canadian Experience Class serves as a critical pathway for many temporary residents who have already demonstrated their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. The latest Ottawa Express Entry draw highlights the importance of this stream in Canada’s immigration strategy.
By prioritizing this group, IRCC is not only retaining talent but also reinforcing a seamless path from temporary to permanent status.
This approach supports employers, enhances workforce stability, and strengthens community integration. Many CEC candidates are already working in key sectors such as health care, information technology, engineering, finance, education, and skilled trades—sectors vital to Canada’s ongoing prosperity.
What Does This Means for Immigration Aspirants?
If you’re currently working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or another valid work permit, the recent Ottawa Express Entry draw offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate your Express Entry profile and prepare for future invitations. Candidates with high CRS scores and Canadian work experience are well-positioned for success. It’s important to keep your profile up-to-date, improve your score where possible (through language tests, education credential assessments, or provincial nomination), and be ready to apply promptly when invited.
Partner with Experts for a Successful Immigration Journey
We specialize in helping skilled professionals navigate the Canadian immigration system. Whether you’re looking to create an Express Entry profile, improve your CRS score, or apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class, our team of regulated immigration consultants can guide you at every step.
We understand the complexities of Canadian immigration and stay updated on every draw and policy change—especially significant updates like the Ottawa Express Entry draw—so that you can make informed decisions that bring you closer to your Canadian dream.
If you want to know more details about “Ottawa Express Entry Draw Invites 3,000 CEC Candidates in Latest Round“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.
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