Express Entry Draw #378: 1,000 CEC Candidates Invited – CRS Drops to 533

On November 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw #378, issuing 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 533, reflecting a slight decrease compared to previous CEC rounds.

This draw continues IRCC’s consistent pattern of prioritizing skilled workers with Canadian work experience, reinforcing the importance of the CEC route for temporary residents and international graduates building careers in Canada.

Table of Contents

Key Highlights of Express Entry Draw #378

Detail	Information
Date of Draw	November 12, 2025
Program Stream	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Invitations Issued (ITAs)	1,000
Minimum CRS Score	533
Tie-Breaking Rule	Applied to candidates with same CRS based on earliest profile submission

What This Draw Indicates

1. CRS Cut-Off Slightly Lower

The CRS score of 533 shows a small decline compared to recent CEC-only draws, offering a favourable opening for candidates who were just below the earlier thresholds of 534 and 535. The decline reflects a maturing candidate pool and the balance IRCC is maintaining as it spreads invites across multiple draw types – CEC, PNP, category-based, and all-program rounds.

2. Continued Stability in CEC Draws

The issuance of 1,000 ITAs matches the pattern seen throughout October and November 2025. This regularity is highly beneficial for candidates working in Canada, as CEC remains one of the more predictable streams in terms of volume and cutoff.

3. Increased Opportunities for Temporary Residents

Students transitioning to post-graduation work permits and skilled workers on LMIA-exempt or employer-supported work permits especially benefit. The CEC stream removes barriers such as proof of settlement funds and heavily rewards Canadian work experience.

CEC Draw Trends Leading Up to #378

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

Trend Insight:
CRS scores for CEC rounds settled steadily in the low 530s, indicating that candidates with competitive language scores and 1–3 years of Canadian experience are in a strong position to receive ITAs through this pathway.

What This Means for CEC Candidates

If Your CRS Is 533+

You’re in an excellent position. Ensure your profile remains active and updated – particularly your Canadian work experience entries, language test validity, and any education completions.

If Your CRS Is in the 520–532 Range

You are within striking distance. Consider:

Retaking IELTS/CELPIP for higher CLB scores
Claiming full Canadian experience (e.g., if nearing 2–3 years)
Ensuring proper job titles and NOC alignment
Adding or updating education credentials (ECA if foreign)

If Your CRS Is Below 520

All is not lost; diversify your strategy:

Explore PNP options (adds 600 CRS points)
Consider French-language testing to qualify for French category draws
Gain additional skilled Canadian experience
Look at employer-driven options including supported LMIA routes

Why CEC Remains One of the Best PR Pathways

The Canadian Experience Class continues to be a top choice because:

It rewards Canadian work experience, which IRCC views as a strong indicator of economic success
Settlement fund requirements are lighter or waived for most candidates
Processing tends to be faster due to predictable documentation and work history
CEC draws are frequent and stable, giving candidates repeat opportunities to qualify

How to Improve Your Chances Before the Next Draw

Strategy	Impact
Retake language exams	15–60 CRS point gain
Maximize Canadian work experience	Significant boost for 2–3 years
Add education / obtain ECA	10–30 extra points
Improve spouse’s profile	Often overlooked but powerful
Target PNPs	+600 CRS immediate advantage
Correct profile errors	Prevents CRS miscalculation