Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry draw held on August 7, 2025. This draw was specifically targeted toward candidates with strong French language proficiency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation was 481, marking a significant increase of 71 points compared to the previous targeted draw for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates on July 8.
This draw aligns with Canada’s strategy to attract more bilingual and French-speaking immigrants, especially to support the vitality of Francophone communities outside Quebec. The federal government has been actively encouraging French-language immigration to fulfill both demographic and economic goals.
Earlier the same day, IRCC conducted another targeted draw under the Canadian Experience Class category, issuing 1,000 ITAs with a much higher CRS threshold of 534. These back-to-back draws illustrate the government’s multi-pronged approach to selecting candidates based on occupational demand, experience level, and linguistic abilities.
So far in 2025, Express Entry has featured 14 draws targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, eight draws aimed at those under the Canadian Experience Class, and four focused on strong French language skills. Additionally, draws have targeted candidates in sectors like healthcare, social services, and education.
According to Maple News, a total of 53,128 ITAs have been issued across all Express Entry categories this year. That figure follows 98,903 ITAs issued in 2024. Previous years illustrate the evolving nature of the program, with 110,266 ITAs extended in 2023 and a record 114,431 issued in 2021, primarily to CEC and PNP candidates during the pandemic recovery phase.
Each candidate selected through Express Entry has 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Most applications are processed within six months, per IRCC’s standard.
Looking ahead, candidates are advised to improve their CRS scores by enhancing their language test results, gaining Canadian work or study experience, or securing a job offer with an approved Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or provincial nomination, which can add significant points.
Employers looking to hire foreign talent are encouraged to tap into immigration pathways such as the PNPs or the LMIA-supported work permit process to meet their labour needs while contributing to Canada’s immigration goals.
This marks the 30th Express Entry round of invitations issued in 2025 and the 360th since the system was launched in 2015. With category-based selection becoming more prominent, Maple News expects further targeted draws in the coming months, especially for sectors facing labour shortages and for candidates with official language proficiency.