Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a significant category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates. Held on October 29, the draw issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 416. This marks a notable increase from the October 6 draw, where 4,500 ITAs were issued with a higher cutoff score of 432.
This large-scale draw continues Canada’s focused strategy to prioritize Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. French-language proficiency draws have become a critical component of Canada’s Express Entry system, which aligns with the federal government’s goal to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec and support demographic and economic growth.
Though substantial, the October 29 draw was not the largest of 2025. Earlier in the year, on March 21, IRCC invited 7,500 French-speaking candidates with a CRS threshold of 379 — the largest French-language draw to date. On February 19, another 6,500 invitations were issued with a cutoff of 428.
To qualify for French-language category-based draws, candidates must demonstrate proficiency at NCLC level 7 or higher across all four language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — using a valid French language test such as the TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
The draw was processed under the tie-breaking rule, applied to profiles submitted before 11:27 a.m. EST on September 8, 2025. If multiple candidates had the same CRS score, only those who entered their profile before that date and time received invitations.
So far in 2025, IRCC has conducted 46 Express Entry rounds, reaching a total of 80,518 ITAs across various categories. Of these, seven draws targeted French language speakers. In comparison, 98,903 ITAs were issued in 2024 and 110,266 in 2023. The ongoing use of targeted draws reflects IRCC’s shift toward more strategic selection aligned with Canada’s economic and linguistic objectives.
In addition to French-language draws, 2025 has so far included 20 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, 11 targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, two focused on education occupations, five in healthcare and social services, and one for trades occupations.
Candidates who received an ITA in this round now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Processing is expected to follow IRCC’s standard timeline of six months.
Maple News will continue to provide timely and accurate updates on Canada’s immigration programs as the federal government evolves its selection strategies to meet economic and demographic goals.