Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 4,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. The draw, held on March 6, 2025, required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 410—the lowest cut-off in a French-language category-based draw since August 2024.
To qualify, candidates had to demonstrate French language proficiency and must have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 7:47 a.m. UTC on February 11, 2025.
This marks the second French-language targeted draw of 2025. The first occurred on February 19, when 6,500 French-proficient candidates were invited with a minimum CRS score of 428. The continuing focus on French speakers underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to promoting bilingualism and addressing labor shortages in Francophone communities outside Quebec.
In total, IRCC has conducted two category-based Express Entry draws so far in 2025, both exclusively targeting candidates with French-language skills. These draws are part of an expanded list of Express Entry priority categories recently revealed by IRCC. For 2025, Canada has allocated targeted invitation rounds for occupations in education, healthcare and social services, skilled trades, and French-language proficiency.
So far this year, IRCC has issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through four Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws and three Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, reflecting the government’s strategic focus on candidates already living and working in Canada.
Interestingly, Express Entry in 2025 also reflects evolving policies that aim to refine the selection process. Notably, this spring, IRCC plans to eliminate CRS points awarded for arranged employment. This adjustment could lower CRS scores for many candidates by 50 to 200 points, potentially reshaping their immigration prospects.
The latest draw on March 6 follows a PNP draw on March 3, continuing the trend of frequent and targeted invitation rounds. These draws provide aspiring immigrants a range of pathways, tailored to Canada’s labor market needs and long-term demographic goals.
As always, Maple News will continue to closely track developments in Canada’s Express Entry system and the wider immigration framework, offering timely updates for skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs interested in making Canada their home.