According to Maple News, Canada’s immigration department has issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Express Entry candidates with strong French language abilities in its latest draw. This marks the second Express Entry selection round of October 2025 and continues the country’s targeted approach to immigration.
To qualify for this French-language category-based draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 432. Additionally, they must have created their Express Entry profile before 7:07 p.m. UTC on June 13, 2025.
This draw reflects Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ongoing commitment to supporting francophone immigration outside of Quebec. Through such category-based draws introduced in 2023, IRCC aims to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants across the country to strengthen linguistic diversity and fill labour market needs.
So far in 2025, Canada has issued a total of 70,338 ITAs through the Express Entry system. While Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws continue to dominate, representing 18 draws this year, there has also been a strong focus on other groups. Ten draws have been held for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, five for French-proficient individuals, four for healthcare and social services professionals, two for individuals in education, and one for skilled trade workers.
Earlier this week, Canada held a separate draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates on October 1, inviting 1,000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 534. In September, the IRCC conducted multiple draws spanning various categories such as Trades, Education, and the PNP, reflecting a diverse immigration intake strategy.
French-language draws have surged in popularity in recent years. Notably, in March 2025, Canada invited 7,500 French-speaking candidates in a single draw — the largest of its kind to date — with a CRS threshold of just 379.
These targeted invitations align with Canada’s broader immigration priorities: welcoming skilled individuals who can contribute to economic growth, support demographic needs, and enhance bilingualism across the country.
As category-based selections gain momentum, prospective immigrants are encouraged to keep their profiles up to date and explore how their language skills or professional background may align with Canada’s evolving immigration targets.