Canada Issues 6,000 ITAs in French-Speaking Express Entry Draw
IRCC Issues 6,000 ITAs in Latest Express Entry Draw for French-Speaking Candidates
- IRCC held its sixth Express Entry draw of December 2025
- 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with French-language proficiency
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 399
- Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before August 24, 2025
- French-speaking candidates are among the top recipients of ITAs in 2025
- Over 117,000 ITAs have been issued so far this year across various draw categories
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again opened the door to thousands of hopeful newcomers. In its most recent Express Entry draw, the department invited 6,000 candidates with French-language proficiency to apply for permanent residence. Let’s break down what this means and how it fits into the broader immigration trends we’ve seen in 2025.
Details of the December French-Language Express Entry Draw
This latest draw, held in December 2025, was specifically targeted at candidates who demonstrated strong French-language skills. To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 399 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 11:43 p.m. UTC on August 24, 2025.
This draw marks the sixth Express Entry draw of the month, highlighting the Canadian government’s continued commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants, particularly outside of Quebec. It’s also a clear signal that category-based draws are here to stay as a major component of Canada’s immigration strategy.
Why Is French-Language Proficiency a Priority?
French-speaking candidates have become a major focus for IRCC in recent years. The goal is to support the growth of Francophone communities across Canada, especially in provinces and territories where French is a minority language. By inviting large numbers of French-speaking immigrants, Canada is working to strengthen its bilingual identity and provide economic and cultural benefits to communities from coast to coast.
Express Entry Draws in 2025: A Snapshot
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 117,998 ITAs through the Express Entry system. These invitations have been split across several different program categories:
| Draw Type | Total ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 36,850 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 9,775 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade Occupations | 1,250 |
As you can see, French-speaking applicants have received the highest number of ITAs this year, followed closely by those under the Canadian Experience Class. This likely reflects Canada’s broader immigration priorities: attracting talent with domestic work experience and encouraging bilingualism in the workforce.
Recent Express Entry Trends
The December 2025 French-language draw follows on the heels of other targeted draws for different candidate categories:
- December 16: Canadian Experience Class draw
- December 15: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw
- December 11: Healthcare and Social Services occupations draw
These recent draws demonstrate how the Canadian government is tailoring its immigration strategy to meet specific labour market needs across the country.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Here’s how the year’s draws have shaped up by type:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 23 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 15 |
| French-language proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
This mix of category-based draws, especially the focus on French-language and healthcare-related occupations, gives applicants a clearer picture of where their profile might be most competitive.
How Does This Affect You as an Applicant?
If you’re a French-speaking candidate — even if you’re outside Quebec — this draw may be an encouraging sign that now is a great time to submit or update your Express Entry profile. With a CRS cut-off as low as 399, this could be your best opportunity yet to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Not sure how your profile stacks up? Many applicants are also taking advantage of the Manitoba PNP as part of their immigration strategy. This pathway can offer additional points and boost your CRS score significantly.
Final Thoughts
Canada continues to prioritize skilled newcomers who can contribute to its economy and culture — and French-speaking candidates are clearly in high demand. Whether you’re working in healthcare, education, trades, or have Canadian work experience, keeping your Express Entry profile up to date has never been more important.
If you’re considering applying or want to get a sense of where you stand, now’s the perfect time to check your eligibility.
Check Your Express Entry Eligibility Now
And if you’re still exploring your options, don’t forget to read more about Provincial Nominee Programs and category-based Express Entry draws. There might be more than one pathway that fits your situation perfectly.
