Express Entry Draw #381: 1,000 CEC Invitations Issued – CRS Cut-Off at 531

On November 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #381, inviting 1,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 531.

This draw marks another round in IRCC’s steady schedule of CEC-only invitations, signalling continued demand for candidates with Canadian skilled work experience, who are typically well-positioned for long-term economic integration.

Table of Contents

Draw Summary

Detail	Information
Date of Draw	November 26, 2025
Program / Stream	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Invitations Issued (ITAs)	1,000
Minimum CRS Score	531
Tie-Breaking Rule	Candidates with the same CRS were ranked by earliest profile submission

What This Draw Indicates

1. Stability in the CEC Pathway

The CRS cutoff of 531 is slightly lower than earlier CEC draws, showing a modest dip that may allow more candidates in the low 530s to receive invitations.

The consistent issuance of 1,000 ITAs per round highlights IRCC’s ongoing focus on Canadian work experience as a key selection factor.

2. Encouraging Trends for Applicants

With recent CEC cutoffs remaining in a tight band (531 – 534), candidates can more accurately estimate their competitiveness and prepare accordingly.
For those slightly below 531, small improvements – such as retaking language tests or updating experience – can realistically push them above the threshold.

3. CEC’s Value as a Strategic Route

The CEC stream is one of the most reliable paths to Canadian PR, especially for:

Temporary foreign workers
International graduates with skilled Canadian experience
Candidates already familiar with Canada’s labour market

CEC candidates typically benefit from:

No settlement fund requirement
Faster processing
Higher prioritization due to proven employability

Who Stands to Benefit

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are a strong candidate for CEC if:

You have skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3)
Your CRS score is 530–540 or slightly below, with room for improvement
Your documents – work proofs, permits, ECAs, and language scores – are current and accurate

Candidates Slightly Below the Cutoff

If your CRS is below 531, you can improve your competitiveness by:

Retaking or improving English/French test scores
Updating Canadian work experience (especially when nearing 2+ years)
Completing an ECA for foreign education
Ensuring correct NOC codes and job duty alignment

Staying prepared is important because CRS thresholds can shift slightly draw-to-draw.

CEC Draw Trends in 2025

Draw #	Date	ITAs	CRS Cut-Off
#381	Nov 26, 2025	1,000	531
#378	Nov 12, 2025	1,000	533
#375	Oct 28, 2025	1,000	533
#370	Oct 1, 2025	1,000	534
#364	Sep 3, 2025	1,000	534

Insight:

CEC cutoffs have remained stable in the low 530s for several months. This consistency offers a predictable pathway for skilled workers already in Canada.

Recommended Action Plan for Candidates

Update Your Express Entry Profile

Ensure all work experience, education, and language scores are accurate and up to date.

Check CEC Eligibility

Confirm your NOC is eligible, and you have at least one year of skilled Canadian experience within the last three years.

Strengthen Weak CRS Components

Improve IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF
Add recent Canadian work experience
Secure ECAs for any foreign education

Be Ready for the ITA Window

Prepare your documents – reference letters, pay stubs, tax slips, permits, passports, and language results – to submit within the 60-day ITA deadline.