French-Speaking Candidates Shine in Latest Express Entry Draw
October 6 Express Entry Draw: 4,500 Invitations Issued to French-Speaking Candidates
- IRCC held a draw on October 6, 2025, inviting 4,500 Express Entry candidates with strong French-language skills.
- The minimum CRS score required was 432, the lowest in a French draw since March 2025.
- Candidates needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before June 13, 2025, at 7:07 p.m. UTC.
- French-language draws continue to be the most frequent and largest in size this year.
- So far, 70,338 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued in 2025 across various Express Entry categories.
- French-speaking applicants have received the highest number of invitations among all categories.
Canada continues to make strong strides in welcoming French-speaking immigrants through the Express Entry system. On October 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a targeted draw for candidates with French-language proficiency. This draw marks the second round of Express Entry invitations for October and is the most substantial since early September.
What You Need to Know About the October 6 Express Entry Draw
To be eligible for this French-language category-based draw, candidates had to meet two key criteria:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 432
- An Express Entry profile submitted before 7:07 p.m. UTC on June 13, 2025
This draw aligns with Canada’s ongoing goal to expand its Francophone population outside Quebec. If you’re someone with strong French skills and are eyeing Canada as your next home, this could be your golden opportunity.
Why Is Francophone Immigration a Priority?
The Government of Canada has been vocal about boosting Francophone immigration, especially in provinces and territories outside Quebec. In fact, IRCC has already issued a whopping 30,000 ITAs to French-speaking candidates so far in 2025. That’s more than any other category, including the popular Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program.
With IRCC’s Francophone immigration targets set to increase in 2026, we can expect more French-language category draws in the months ahead. So, if you’re fluent in French, the Express Entry system is clearly favouring you right now.
How Does This Draw Compare to Others in 2025?
This isn’t the first time French-speaking candidates have dominated an Express Entry draw. In fact, draws targeting French language skills have consistently had some of the largest invitation numbers in 2025. The largest draw of the year took place on March 21, with 7,500 ITAs issued in a single French-language round.
Here’s a quick look at some recent draws:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6 | French-language proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 1 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 29 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
| September 18 | Trade Occupations | 1,250 | 505 |
It’s clear that Express Entry draws are becoming increasingly category-specific, allowing IRCC to better target immigrants based on Canada’s labour market needs.
Breakdown of Invitations by Stream in 2025
So far in 2025, a total of 70,338 ITAs have been issued. Here’s how they’re distributed among various streams:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 30,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 21,850 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 7,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6,947 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade Occupations | 1,250 |
These numbers reflect IRCC’s effort to address specific skill shortages across Canada, with a clear emphasis on French-speaking communities and essential sectors like healthcare and education.
What’s Next for Express Entry Candidates?
With more category-based draws expected in the coming months, it’s important for candidates to keep their profiles up to date and focus on improving their CRS score. If you speak French or have work experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare or skilled trades, you may have a significant advantage in upcoming draws.
Don’t forget, if you’ve received a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program, your CRS score gets a major boost — often enough to guarantee an ITA. For example, Manitoba regularly nominates skilled workers through the Manitoba PNP, which can be a great pathway to permanent residence.
Final Thoughts
The October 6 Express Entry draw is another strong signal that Canada is serious about attracting French-speaking newcomers. Whether you’re already in the Express Entry pool or considering creating a profile soon, this is a great time to evaluate your language skills, work experience, and eligibility under category-based selections.
Thinking about your next step? Check how competitive your Express Entry profile is and start planning for your Canadian future today.
Want more insights on Canadian immigration pathways? Browse our latest guides on Express Entry, PNPs, and priority occupation streams.
