Canada Issues 5,000 Express Entry Invites at 2025 Low Score
IRCC Issues 5,000 ITAs in Most Accessible CEC Draw of 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted Express Entry draw 387 on December 17, 2025. The draw issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.
This round stands out as the most accessible CEC draw of the year. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score dropped to 515 points. That marks the lowest cut-off recorded for CEC candidates in 2025.
Candidates needed to meet specific requirements for this draw. They must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:58 p.m. UTC on September 9, 2025. They also needed to meet the CRS threshold of 515 points.
The draw marks the second consecutive CEC round in two weeks. This signals a notable shift in IRCC’s recent selection pattern.
Express Entry Draw 387 Marks Turning Point for CEC Candidates
Throughout most of 2025, Canadian Experience Class draws remained limited in size. These rounds featured relatively high CRS cut-offs, often exceeding 530 points.
Many candidates with solid Canadian work experience found themselves stuck just below the threshold. They watched as opportunities passed them by.
Express Entry draw 387 breaks that trend in two important ways. It issued a high number of invitations at once. It also dropped the CRS cut-off to its lowest level of the year.
Before this draw, the lowest CRS cut-off for a CEC round in 2025 was 518 points. The reduction to 515 points opens doors for thousands of candidates who narrowly missed earlier rounds.
Back-to-Back CEC Draws Signal Strategic Shift
IRCC typically conducts Express Entry draws on alternating weeks. However, December has deviated from that pattern.
Within a short span, IRCC issued 6,000 ITAs in a CEC draw on December 10. It followed up with 5,000 ITAs in Express Entry draw 387 on December 17.
This means 11,000 CEC candidates received invitations in just two weeks. Such frequency is rare and suggests IRCC actively prioritizes applicants with Canadian work experience.
This approach aligns with broader immigration goals. The strategy focuses on retaining talent already contributing to the Canadian labour market.
How Draw 387 Fits December’s Busy Schedule
Express Entry draw 387 was the fifth draw of December. It followed several other important rounds.
A Provincial Nominee Program draw occurred on December 15. IRCC conducted a healthcare and social services occupation draw on December 11. The largest CEC draw in over 16 months took place on December 10.
The sequence highlights IRCC’s multi-pronged selection strategy. The approach balances provincial needs, occupation-specific shortages, and pathways for temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence.
Express Entry in 2025 by the Numbers
As of December 17, 2025, IRCC has issued 111,998 ITAs through the Express Entry system this year. Draws have been distributed across several categories.
The system shows strong emphasis on provincial nominations and Canadian Experience Class candidates.
Number of Draws by Category in 2025
Provincial Nominee Program draws totaled 23. Canadian Experience Class draws reached 15. French-language proficiency draws numbered 8.
Healthcare and social services draws totaled 6. Education draws occurred twice. Trade draws happened once.
Total Invitations by Stream
Canadian Experience Class received 36,850 invitations. French-language proficiency candidates got 42,000 invitations. Healthcare and social services attracted 13,500 invitations.
Provincial Nominee Program candidates received 9,775 invitations.
These figures show that CEC candidates remain central to Canada’s permanent residence strategy.
What This Means for Candidates in the Express Entry Pool
Express Entry draw 387 delivers an important message to candidates with Canadian work experience. Lower CRS scores can still be competitive when timing, draw size, and category alignment come together.
Candidates currently in the pool should take specific steps. Ensure your profile remains active and accurate. Review your CRS components to identify possible improvements.
Monitor draw frequency closely. December trends may carry into early 2026.
Those who narrowly missed this draw may still benefit from continued CEC-focused rounds. The pattern suggests IRCC maintains its commitment to candidates already established in Canada.
Express Entry draw 387 represents a significant moment for Canadian Experience Class applicants. The combination of large invitation numbers and the lowest CRS cut-off of 2025 creates new opportunities. The draw underscores IRCC’s renewed focus on candidates already established in Canada and highlights evolving selection dynamics as the year ends.
