Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Candidates: 6,500 ITAs Issued
In the first category-based selection round of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to 6,500 candidates with demonstrated French language proficiency. This marks the second-largest draw focused on French speakers since the category-based system’s inception in 2023.
This draw is especially notable for the significant decrease in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score threshold, which dropped from 466 to a new low of 428. This is the lowest CRS cut-off seen in 2025 so far, and it demonstrates a growing trend in category-based draws, where candidates with specific skills—such as French language ability—are prioritized over others.
Since the introduction of category-based draws in 2023, this method has consistently resulted in lower CRS thresholds compared to general draws, giving more chances to applicants with specialized skills.
Who Were the Winners in the Latest Draw?
This draw targeted Express Entry candidates who met the language proficiency requirements for French under the program’s category-based system. In order to be selected, candidates must have created an Express Entry profile before the time specified in the ministerial instructions and met the CRS cut-off for the draw. Here are some example profiles to illustrate how candidates qualified for this round.
Profile 1: Amadou Kone – A Mechanic with High French Proficiency
Amadou is a 32-year-old single mechanic from Côte d’Ivoire, boasting three years of foreign work experience and a Canadian-equivalent bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His proficiency in French stands at NCLC level 9, and he also holds a CLB level 6 in English.
Factors Affecting CRS Score:
- Age: 32 years (94 points)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (120 points)
- First language proficiency (French): NCLC level 9 (124 points)
- Second language proficiency (English): CLB level 6 (4 points)
- Skills transferability (Education): NCLC 9 and bachelor’s degree (25 points)
- Skills transferability (Work experience): 3 years foreign work experience with NCLC 9 (50 points)
- Additional factors: Meeting the NCLC level 7+ and CLB level 5+ requirements (50 points)
Total CRS Score: 467
Amadou’s impressive French language skills combined with his educational background and work experience secured him an ITA in this round, making him one of the selected candidates.
Profile 2: Deepti Kajal – A Teacher from India with Canadian Experience
Deepti, a 33-year-old schoolteacher from India, holds a one-year Canadian college degree in early education. She has one year of Canadian work experience and has scored NCLC level 7 in French and CLB level 10 in English.
Factors Affecting CRS Score:
- Age: 33 years (88 points)
- Education: College degree (90 points)
- First language proficiency (English): CLB level 10 (136 points)
- Second language proficiency (French): NCLC level 7 (12 points)
- Canadian work experience: One year (40 points)
- Skills transferability (Education): CLB 10 + College degree + Canadian work experience (38 points)
- Additional factors: Meeting language proficiency thresholds (50 points)
Total CRS Score: 469
Deepti’s top-level English proficiency, combined with her French skills, Canadian education, and work experience, positioned her well for selection, and she received an ITA in this draw.
Profile 3: Remilekun Agnes – A Nurse with International and Canadian Work Experience
Remilekun, a 36-year-old married nurse from Nigeria, has a master’s degree in nursing and two years of foreign work experience, along with one year of Canadian work experience. His wife, Adesewa, holds a bachelor’s degree, speaks CLB level 8 English, and has one year of Canadian work experience.
Factors Affecting CRS Score:
- Age: 36 years (65 points)
- Education: Master’s degree (126 points)
- First language proficiency (English): CLB level 8 (88 points)
- Second language proficiency (French): NCLC level 7 (12 points)
- Canadian work experience: One year (35 points)
- Skills transferability (Education): Language skills and degree (50 points)
- Skills transferability (Foreign experience): Language skills and work experience (26 points)
- Spousal factors: Education (8), language (12), Canadian work experience (5)
- Additional factors: Meeting French/English proficiency thresholds (50 points)
Total CRS Score: 477
With the additional points from his spouse’s qualifications and language proficiency, Remilekun’s application was boosted, securing his position in the latest draw.
Why Learning French Can Give Express Entry Candidates a Major Advantage
Incorporating French language skills can significantly enhance a candidate’s CRS score. A maximum of 310 CRS points can be added to a profile through strong French language ability (depending on other factors like education). If applying with a spouse, a total of 320 points can be gained, making it a substantial advantage for couples.
Furthermore, candidates who score NCLC level 7 or higher in French (and who are not targeting Quebec) are eligible for the French proficiency category-based selection system. This category has become a key pathway for immigration in 2025, as the government plans to increase its commitment to Francophone immigration. According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to admit approximately 30,000 Francophone newcomers in 2025, with that number growing to 31,350 in 2026 and 31,500 by 2027.
By making French a priority, the government is not only diversifying its pool of immigrants but also ensuring that these newcomers can more easily integrate into various Canadian communities outside Quebec, where French is spoken.
This draw, part of Canada’s broader immigration strategy, signals the government’s continued commitment to attracting skilled workers with the right mix of experience and language proficiency. The lower CRS score threshold and the increasing demand for French-speaking applicants provide a unique opportunity for candidates who can meet these requirements to secure their place in Canada’s growing workforce.
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