IRCC Issues 7,500 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw for French Language Proficiency Candidates
Canada’s immigration department holds second draw of the week, continuing the momentum in 2025
In a significant move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, which was specifically aimed at candidates demonstrating proficiency in the French language. This marks the second draw of the week and follows a trend of regular draws seen in 2025.
Details of the Latest Draw
This particular Express Entry draw, held on March 21, 2025, featured a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement of 379 for eligibility. Candidates who submitted their profiles by 2:53 am Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 6, 2025, were considered in this round of invitations.
Interestingly, this draw has the distinction of having the lowest CRS cut-off score since February 29, 2024, showcasing a shift towards encouraging more candidates with lower CRS scores to apply. The issuance of 7,500 ITAs underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to welcome more skilled individuals, particularly those who are proficient in French.
A Snapshot of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Here’s a quick overview of the recent Express Entry draws held so far this year:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 471 | 793 |
With this latest round of invitations, IRCC has issued a total of 30,683 ITAs so far in 2025. The French-language proficiency draws continue to be a significant part of Canada’s immigration strategy, which prioritizes bilingual candidates who can contribute to the country’s economic and cultural diversity.
Trend Toward Prioritizing In-Canada Applicants
One notable trend in 2025 is the increasing focus on in-Canada candidates, with IRCC reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing those who are already residing in the country. This policy is part of the broader immigration approach that has been in place since mid-2024, reflecting the government’s aim to streamline the immigration process for individuals already in Canada and integrate them into the workforce more quickly.
Although Prime Minister Mark Carney has not yet issued a formal mandate to Canada’s newly appointed Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan, it is expected that the policy of prioritizing in-Canada applicants will remain a key feature in the country’s immigration strategy moving forward. This approach aligns with the goal of stabilizing Canada’s labor market and addressing the increasing demand for workers in key sectors.
Express Entry Profile Expiry and Renewal
For those currently in the Express Entry pool, it is important to note that candidate profiles are only valid for one year. After this period, profiles will expire and no longer be considered active within the system. Candidates wishing to remain in the pool must submit a new profile after the expiration of their current one. IRCC advises candidates to save their previous profile details for ease of re-entry.
Additionally, candidates should be mindful of the tie-breaking rule applied to Express Entry draws. If multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule determines who receives an ITA by taking into account the date and time their profiles were submitted. Therefore, even if a candidate’s CRS score meets the cut-off, failure to submit the profile before the cut-off time may prevent them from receiving an invitation.
Looking Ahead: More Opportunities for Skilled Workers
As Canada continues to meet its labor market needs through immigration, Express Entry remains a vital pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. The ongoing issuance of ITAs demonstrates the country’s commitment to attracting top talent, particularly in areas where French language skills are in high demand.
With the IRCC continuing to make changes and improvements to its immigration policies, 2025 promises to be another year of dynamic movement within Canada’s Express Entry system, offering greater opportunities for candidates looking to make Canada their permanent home.
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