Canada Issues 6,000 ITAs in French Express Entry Draw
IRCC Issues 6,000 Invitations in Latest Express Entry Draw Focused on French-Language Proficiency
- 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in the latest French-language proficiency Express Entry draw
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 408
- Applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before May 26, 2025, at 12:28 p.m. UTC
- This draw is tied for the third-largest Express Entry draw of the year
- French-speaking candidates have received the most ITAs in 2025, with 42,000 invitations issued to date
- IRCC has issued a total of 94,476 ITAs in 2025 across various streams
French-Language Express Entry Draw: What You Need to Know
Another big milestone for Express Entry candidates! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just held a major draw focused on French-speaking applicants, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This latest draw, held on November 28, 2025, continues Canada’s strong emphasis on attracting bilingual talent, especially those proficient in French.
To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 408 and must have submitted their Express Entry profile before 12:28 p.m. UTC on May 26, 2025.
This draw is part of a broader trend in 2025, where French-speaking candidates have consistently received the largest share of ITAs through the Express Entry system.
Why French Language Proficiency Matters
Canada has been actively encouraging immigration to Francophone communities outside Quebec. By focusing on French-language draws, IRCC aims to support the country’s bilingual identity and ensure that French-speaking minorities across provinces continue to grow and thrive.
French-speaking candidates are awarded additional points under the CRS, which gives them a competitive edge. This latest draw is a perfect example of how language skills can make a significant difference in your Express Entry journey.
Express Entry Draws in 2025: A Quick Recap
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 94,476 ITAs through various Express Entry draws. These draws span across multiple categories like:
- French-language proficiency
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Education
- Trade Occupations
Out of all these categories, French-language draws have stood out as the most significant. Not only have they been the most frequent, but they’ve also featured the largest number of invitations per draw.
Breakdown of ITAs by Category in 2025
Here’s a quick snapshot of how ITAs have been distributed this year:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| French | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 24,850 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
As you can see, the French-language stream is leading by a wide margin. So if you’re fluent in French, now might be the perfect time to explore your Express Entry options.
How Does This Impact You?
If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and you speak French, this is a golden opportunity. With lower CRS cut-off scores compared to other draws — like the recent CEC draw at 531 or PNP draw at 699 — French-language draws offer more accessible pathways to permanent residence.
Even if French isn’t your first language, brushing up on your skills and taking a language test like the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) might give you a valuable edge in the Express Entry system.
Trending: Category-Based Draws Taking Over Express Entry
In 2025, category-based draws have become the norm. IRCC has held:
- 22 PNP draws
- 13 CEC draws
- 8 French-language draws
- 6 Healthcare draws
- 2 Education draws
- 1 Trade draw
This shift to category-based draws allows IRCC to target specific skills and demographics that align with Canada’s long-term economic and social goals — such as strengthening French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
What’s Next for Express Entry?
With 2025 drawing to a close, we can expect IRCC to continue prioritizing category-based draws into the new year. If you haven’t yet explored how you fit into one of these categories, now’s the time to assess your profile and maximize your CRS score.
If you’re interested in other immigration options, like applying through the Manitoba PNP, provincial programs remain an excellent pathway for skilled workers, especially if you have ties to a province or specific job skills in demand.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s latest Express Entry draw is a strong signal that French-speaking candidates are in high demand. With a CRS cut-off of just 408 and 6,000 ITAs issued, this is one of the most accessible draws of the year for bilingual applicants.
Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or just starting your journey, there’s never been a better time to explore your options — especially if you speak French. Your language skills could be the ticket to your Canadian dream!
Curious about how your profile stacks up? Check your Express Entry score today and see if you’re competitive in the current landscape.
For more tips on navigating the Express Entry system and improving your CRS score, don’t forget to check out our full guide on Express Entry immigration.
