Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the results of Express Entry Draw #384, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This is the largest CEC-specific draw since July 2024 and marks a meaningful shift in Express Entry trends as 2025 comes to a close.
With a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 520, this draw brings renewed hope to thousands of skilled workers already living and working in Canada.
Express Entry Draw #384 – Key Highlights
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Invitations Issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 520
- Profile Creation Cut-off: Before 5:30 p.m. UTC on July 15, 2025
- Draw Number: #384
This draw breaks several months of consistently high CRS cut-offs and signals a potential recalibration of IRCC’s selection priorities.
Why Express Entry Draw #384 Is Significant
Express Entry draw #384 stands out for multiple reasons:
- Largest CEC draw in over 16 months – the last draw of this scale occurred in July 2024.
- Lower CRS requirement compared to recent CEC rounds, which hovered around 533–534.
- Wider access to permanent residence for candidates with solid Canadian work experience but moderate CRS scores.
For many temporary workers who have been waiting through months of limited CEC opportunities, this draw represents a major breakthrough.
How This Draw Supports Canada’s Labour Market
CEC candidates already:
- Have Canadian work experience
- Are familiar with Canadian workplace standards
- Are actively contributing to the economy
By prioritizing CEC, IRCC supports employers facing labour shortages and helps retain skilled talent that is already settled in Canada.
This draw also follows:
- A 6,000-invitation French-language proficiency draw
- Multiple Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds earlier in the month
As of this draw, IRCC has issued 105,599 ITAs in 2025.
Express Entry Trends in 2025 (Up to Draw #384)
Number of Express Entry Draws by Category (2025)
| Draw Type | Number of Rounds |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 22 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 14 |
| French-language proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare & social services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trades | 1 |
ITAs Issued by Category in 2025
| Category | ITAs Issued |
| French-language proficiency | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 30,850 |
| Healthcare & social services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trades | 1,250 |
While French-language and PNP draws continue to dominate, CEC candidates have clearly benefited from IRCC’s 2025 strategy.
How Express Entry Draw #384 Affects CEC Candidates
This large-scale CEC draw creates several advantages:
- Lower CRS threshold, improving chances for mid-range profiles
- Increased ITAs for candidates with 1–3 years of Canadian work experience
- Better outcomes for applicants with moderate IELTS or CELPIP scores
- Stronger pathways for workers in high-demand industries
Candidates actively tracking Express Entry latest draw updates or using a CRS calculator for Express Entry may find their profiles more competitive following this round.
Why IRCC Is Prioritizing CEC Toward the End of 2025
Several factors may explain this shift:
- Ongoing labour shortages across Canada
- Employer demand for experienced, job-ready workers
- Strategic year-end allocation of ITAs
- The need to reduce expiring CEC profiles in the Express Entry pool
CEC applicants offer faster economic integration, making them a logical focus for IRCC’s long-term immigration planning.
What This Means for Future Express Entry Draws in 2026
While Express Entry draw #384 is encouraging, future draws will depend on:
- 2026 immigration level targets
- Admissions capacity
- The balance between CEC, PNP, French-language, and category-based draws
Candidates should remain proactive by:
- Keeping Express Entry profiles updated
- Monitoring CRS scores regularly
- Exploring Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options
- Considering alternative immigration pathways if CRS scores remain below future cut-offs
Working with an experienced RCIC-regulated immigration consultant in Canada can help applicants develop stronger strategies as Express Entry evolves.
Final Thoughts
The release of Express Entry Draw #384, issuing 6,000 CEC invitations with a CRS cut-off of 520, marks a notable shift in IRCC’s selection trends. It reinforces Canada’s commitment to retaining skilled workers already contributing to the economy and provides renewed optimism for CEC candidates heading into 2026.
If you want to strengthen your Express Entry profile, explore PNP options, or understand your eligibility in detail, professional guidance can make a critical difference.
Stay updated with the latest Express Entry draws and Canadian immigration news to make informed decisions about your future in Canada.
