Canada has kickstarted 2025 with an exciting opportunity for skilled workers by issuing 1,350 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. The first draw of the year, held on January 8, 2025, saw a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 542, with the tie-breaking date set to December 7, 2024.
This program, designed for individuals with Canadian work experience, continues to serve as a key pathway for foreign nationals to transition to permanent residency. Eligible candidates must have completed at least one year of paid skilled work in Canada within the past three years while holding valid temporary resident status. Volunteering, unpaid internships, and unauthorized work are excluded from eligibility criteria.
The previous CEC draw in November 2024 had invited 400 applicants with a CRS cut-off of 539, reflecting the growing competition among candidates.
In addition, Canada conducted a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 7, 2025, inviting 471 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 793. Both draws signify Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers to address labor shortages and contribute to its economy.
As Canada continues to prioritize skilled immigration, these draws reinforce the significance of programs like the CEC in building a robust and diverse workforce. Skilled workers aspiring to settle in Canada are encouraged to stay updated with Express Entry developments to seize these valuable opportunities.
Source - Financial Express/ Canada.Ca
By Dialect Diaries
