Express Entry: lower CRS score in CEC and Francophone draws

The last two Express Entry draws in November 2025 lowered the CRS score cut-off after several months. This has generated optimism among applicants for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. 

But what really happens when the CRS score drops, is it possible to predict when these declines will occur and, more importantly, how can we strategically prepare to take advantage of them? 

Below, I'll tell you what the CRS Score is, how possible it is to anticipate these draws and how to take advantage of this downward trend to increase your chance of being invited by the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Francophonie.

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What is the CRS score and why does it go down?

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The CRS score is a point system that Canada uses to score and rank the immigration profile of applicants in the Express Entry pool. That is, applicants who participate in the lottery to receive an invitation to apply for PR.

This score evaluates factors such as age, education, language proficiency (English/French) and work experience in Canada.

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Why are cut-off scores going down? 

The Canadian government has an immigration tier plan that it must adhere to. The main reason the score goes down is the lottery strategy . These are launched following criteria:

1. Targeted draws by program or category: By focusing on a specific group (such as CEC only or French Proficiency only), IRCC eliminates competition with very high scores, automatically lowering the cut-off score.

1. Need to meet goals: When IRCC seeks to meet its annual objectives, it tends to increase the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs); this is where high, medium and even lower scores come in.

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Can the exact date or score be predicted?

No, they cannot be predicted; but the trend can be anticipated. This is done by monitoring Canada's Immigration Levels Plan, which announces priority categories (such as Francophone or CEC) and ITA commitments.

To take advantage of these drops, you should keep an eye on the category draws and make sure to maximize points in these key areas. 

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CEC: Advantages of Canadian work experience

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The 381st draw of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on November 26 had a cut-off of 531 points, the lowest since last July (at 518). This means that the government lowered the score to have more reach among candidates with Canadian work experience.

If you have work experience in Canada, you should value the type of work you do. It is not only to work, but to obtain qualified positions (in your professional field) so that your profile is competitive. The most advisable is to get positions in TEER 0 to 3 categories. 

Do you know if your current job is qualifying? If you are not sure, explore official government information or ask for immigration guidance. An Immiland Canada expert can advise you.

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Speaking French: the direct entry to Canada

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Draw 382 invited 6000 candidates, on November 28, under the category French Proficiency, and had the second lowest cut-off score since March 2025, with only 408 points.

To take advantage of this pathway, you must have a conversational level of French (CLB 7 or higher). After all, if you want to live in a country where people communicate in that language, you need to be adapted to the French-Canadian linguistic environment.

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The ideal profile to receive an ITA

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The candidate who will obtain the PR is the one who does not wait for a general draw, but works on his or her immigration profile and adjusts it to Canada's requirements. 

A professional who has or is about to get a job in your field (TEER 0-3), has advanced in French and is actively competing in the pool has the two skills that IRCC is looking for! This is the ideal profile to immigrate with legal status to Canada.

If you do not yet have both skills or need professional guidance to reach the ideal score and build your migration plan with strategy, do not hesitate to contact us.

Click to:

• Request a free evaluation and learn about the most convenient immigration route.
• Schedule an appointment with an Immiland Canada regulated CICC consultant.
• Request a quote.

I hope this topic will help you understand the drop in CRS score and the ways to take advantage of it. 

Thanks for reading, don't miss our next topic on how to land after Express Entry!

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With love,

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Immiland Canada