Canada Invites 4,000 French-Speaking Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

Key Takeaways   

Type of draw: Category-based Selection for French Proficiency 

Invitations issued: 4,000

Minimum CRS score: 419

Tie-breaking rule: November 14, 2025 at 07:14:25 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on April 27. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw. 

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw 

Today’s draw was the first this month for French proficiency. It’s also the third draw of the week, bringing the total number of ITAs issued this week to 6,324.  

The last draw for French proficiency was on March 18 and invited 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 393. It was the second-lowest CRS score of the year, and also the smallest number of ITAs issued in any French draw this year.  

The draw today was a continuation of the trend we’ve been seeing for this category, a high number of ITAs and a comparatively low CRS score. It demonstrates IRCC’s ongoing commitment to meeting its French-speaking admissions target.  

However, the score today is a jump of more than 20 points compared to the last draw, and is the highest CRS score we’ve seen for French draws this year. It signals that the pool of French speakers is becoming more competitive.

What Does it Mean for Express Entry? 

As mentioned, IRCC is prioritizing the admission of French speaking newcomers who will settle outside of Quebec. Express Entry candidates must live outside of Quebec to be considered in any draw or demonstrate their intent to move to another province.  

IRCC has a target of 12% of all permanent resident admissions to French-speaking by the end of 2029.  It has exceeded its yearly admission targets for the past three years, so this goal is well within reach.  

Still, there are changes coming to Express Entry in the coming months. In addition to streamlining the three Express Entry programs into one single program, IRCC is considering a change to the number of CRS points a candidate can get based on their French language ability or removing them altogether.  

IRCC may be thinking that the department has less need to “double reward” French ability—once through targeted draws, and again through additional CRS points 

This could be because category-based selection for French speakers has been enough for IRCC to achieve their admissions targets. So, even if IRCC removes points for French proficiency, we will likely still see draws for French speakers, although it may take a different form.  

What’s Next for Express Entry? 

In the immediate future, no massive changes are expected to be implemented. The changes are still in the proposal stage, which means multiple stakeholders need to weigh in. This takes time.  

So, if you are considering applying for Express Entry, or learning French to improve your chances of an ITA, the best thing to do is to keep going with your original strategy until there are concrete details.  

Be sure to maximize your CRS score to the best of your ability and keep up to date with the latest Express Entry news by joining the Moving2Canada community.  

Further Resources for French Language Candidates   

For more information:   

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws.   
• Learn more about the state of the Express Entry pool.   
• Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.   
• Use our online Express Entry CRS calculator to learn more about your current score and how to improve it.