On March 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest-ever French category-based Express Entry draw, inviting 7,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379, marking a significant decrease in the CRS threshold compared to previous draws.
This draw aligns with Canada’s goal to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from 6.3% to 8.5%. In 2025 alone, IRCC has issued 18,500 invitations to French-speaking candidates across three draws, surpassing invitations in other categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (2,297 invitations) and the Canadian Experience Class (9,350 invitations).
The substantial drop in the CRS score to 379 is notable, as it is the fourth-lowest ever for a French category-based draw. Such a decrease indicates a broader eligibility for French-speaking candidates, encouraging more individuals with French language proficiency to consider immigration to Canada.
Express Entry draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
For those interested in improving their CRS scores, enhancing French language skills can be a strategic move.
This draw underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Francophone minority communities and promoting linguistic diversity within its immigration framework.
