Canada has conducted a major Express Entry draw aimed at candidates with French language proficiency, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on October 29. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 416 points, 16 lower than the previous French language draw on October 6, which also issued 4,500 ITAs.
Although a large draw, it is not the largest of 2025. Canada issued 7,500 ITAs with a minimum score of 379 in a March 21 draw and 6,500 ITAs with a CRS score of 428 on February 19. Both were French language draws, showing how IRCC is prioritising French speakers for Express Entry immigration.
Eligibility for French-Language Category Draws
To be considered in this category, candidates must meet the minimum French-language proficiency requirement of NCLC 7 (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) in all four language abilities – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – based on results from an approved test such as the TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
The most recent draw before October 29 was for Canadian Experience Class Candidates candidates, issuing 1,000 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 533 on October 28.
So far in 2025, the following draws have been conducted:
- 20 PNP draws
- 11 CEC draws
- Seven French language proficiency draws
- Two draws targeted at education occupations
- Five draws targeted at healthcare and social services occupations
- One draw targeted at trade occupations
In 2024, Canada conducted the following draws:
- Nine all-program draws
- 11 draws targeted at French speakers
- One draw targeted at transport jobs
- One draw targeted at agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Three draws targeted at healthcare occupations
- One draw targeted at STEM occupations
- 14 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- Two draws targeted at trade occupations
Canada has now issued 80,518 ITAs through Express Entry in 2025 after issuing 98,903 in 2024.
IRCC issued 110,266 ITAs in 2023, after inviting 45,115 candidates in 2022.
IRCC issued a record 114,431 ITAs in 2021, all to Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates. It beat the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.
The latest draw saw the tie-breaking rule implemented on September 8, 2025 at 11.27am EST. If more than one candidate had the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 46th round of invitations under Express Entry in 2025 and the 376th overall.
Candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will usually be processed within the six-month standard.
What Can Employers Do To Recruit Foreign Workers?
Employers are encouraged to consider securing an LMIA or nomination under provincial nomination programs (PNPs) to ensure long-term retention of employees.
At immigration.ca we provide Canadian employers with unparalleled immigration legal services and can help with the recruitment of foreign nationals.
We bring qualified candidates to Canada in the shortest time possible. Employers in a wide range of industries can directly benefit from our unique position as one of Canada’s leading immigration firms in the industry to meet both their recruitment and immigration requirements.
Interested employers wishing to seek our assistance are invited to contact us here for further information.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
Securing an approved offer of employment is highly recommended as one of the best pathways to guaranteeing an ITA in the next round of invitations.
Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free online evaluation. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.
Resources:
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