Express Entry CEC Draw: The Golden Key to Your Stay in Canada

Once again, Canada is opening its doors to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates to apply for permanent residence (PR). It did so in a new draw (#351) of the federal Express Entry system on June 12, 2025. This is a clear message that the labor contribution of foreign workers is valued in the country.

In this blog, I want to highlight the importance of accumulating work experience in Canada to qualify for permanency, as this is one of the main tools you should use if you are already living in the country. Read with me to the end and learn the details and analysis of this sweepstakes, and how to go from worker in Canada to permanent resident. Let's get started!

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Details and analysis of the raffle 

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched draw #351 aimed exclusively at Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates.

The minimum required score was 529 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and candidates were required to have created their Express Entry profile by September 28, 2024 at 6:06 p. m. UTC.

This time, IRCC issued 3000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), far more than the last draw for the same category (May 13, 2025), with 500 ITAs issued. Draw #351 is particularly important because it marks a long-awaited return of many internationals to the CEC rounds, with a higher volume of invitations and because it is the first CEC round under the leadership of Canada's new Immigration Minister, Mark Carney, who has made key commitments to convert temporary residents in Canada to permanent residents as a matter of priority.

IRCC also issued drawings on June 10, 4 and 2. June 10 was for provincial nominations and issued 125 ITAs. June 4 was for health and social service occupations, with 500 ITAs issued, and June 2 was for provincial nomination and 277 ITAs issued.

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From worker in Canada to permanent resident: Canadian Experience Class

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The Canadian Experience Class is like a direct bridge to permanent immigration status. If we look at it as a tool rather than a program, we can see that it is a way of recognizing that temporary workers or international students have already demonstrated their ability to integrate into Canadian society and thrive in the country. This is a win-win strategy for both the candidates and Canada.

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What do candidates for permanent residency gain?

Data shows that those who already have experience in the country adapt to the labor market more easily, thus achieving a natural integration. Their months or years living, working or studying in Canada give them an invaluable advantage. In addition, by applying for Express Entry, they earn additional CRS points. Having accumulated experience on Canadian soil gives them extra points in the calculation of their CRS, potentially increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.

Another benefit is the speed with which your application is processed. One of the great advantages of the CEC is its efficiency, since, once they receive their ITA, permanent residency is usually processed in approximately six months.

Unlike other Express Entry categories, CEC applicants do not need to show proof of settlement funds when applying for permanent residence.

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How to apply successfully to the Canadian Experience Class?

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The option to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is triggered by work experience gained within Canada as temporary residents with a valid work permit.

To obtain a valid work permit, there are several routes:

• Have entered as a temporary worker and accumulated at least 12 months of work experience.
• Have studied at a Canadian college or university, graduate, obtain the post-graduation work permit and then work.

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What type of work qualifies for the CEC?

Papers must belong to TEER categories 0, 1, 2 or 3:

• TEER 0: executive or managerial positions.
• TEER 1: occupations requiring a university degree.
• TEER 2 and 3: technical or skilled trades requiring post-secondary education or technical training experience.

It is essential to accumulate 12 months of work experience (the equivalent of 1560 hours) working at least 30 hours per week. The process cannot be accelerated if the hours are completed before one year. If working part-time, the period is adjusted proportionally (e.g., 24 months at part-time).

The experience must be paid. It cannot have been obtained as a student or volunteer and must have been performed legally, with a valid work permit.

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About the language level

Although you can enter Canada with a basic level of English, when applying for residency, an official test such as IELTS General Training or CELPIP General is required.

The minimum scores are CLB 7 for work at TEER levels 0 or 1 and CLB 5 for work at TEER 2 or 3.

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On the level of education

It is not mandatory to submit an educational evaluation (ECA) to apply for the CEC, but it does add points. Therefore, it is recommended to validate the studies with institutions such as WES, sending the documents directly from the university to the evaluating entity.

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How does the point system and application process work?

The Canadian Experience Class is a stream within the Express Entry system, so the application is done online and the system assigns points based on your level of English, your level of education, Canadian work experience.

The Canadian government conducts monthly selection rounds, inviting the candidates with the highest scores. If your work permit expires while you are waiting, don't worry, there are options to legally extend it while you finish the process. The important thing is to be well informed and up to date with all your immigration paperwork. You can request a free free evaluation of your profile to clarify any doubts. 

All in all, this Express Entry lottery by the CEC is excellent news that marks the continuity of an immigration plan that prioritizes those who are already in Canada and wish to apply for residency without committing to a specific province (as is the case with the Provincial Nomination).

I hope this information will help you apply successfully. A key tip is to plan your path to residency from the beginning. If you need legal advice to identify what you need, you can contact an immigration consultant from Immiland Canada and he or she will be happy to take you through the process.

Thank you very much for reading us! See you!

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With love,

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Immiland Canada