In the latest Express Entry draw (#339), 4,500 candidates with French language proficiency received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. The draw, held on March 6, 2025, recorded a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 410, the lowest seen in the beginning of this year.
This CRS score is 18 points lower than the previous French language proficiency draw on February 19, which invited 6,500 candidates with a minimum score of 428. The decline in CRS requirements highlights Canada’s commitment to attracting more French-speaking immigrants.
Express Entry Draws and ITA Trends: 2025 & Previous Years
Express Entry Draws in 2025 (So Far)
- 4 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
- 3 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
- 2 French language proficiency draws
Express Entry Draws in 2024
- 9 All-program draws
- 11 Draws targeting French-speaking candidates
- 1 Draw for transport sector jobs
- 1 Draw for agriculture and agri-food occupations
- 3 Draws for healthcare occupations
- 1 Draw for STEM occupations
- 14 PNP draws
- 10 CEC draws
- 2 Draws for trade occupations
In 2024, Canada issued a total of 98,903 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry.
Historical ITA Trends
- 2023: 110,266 ITAs issued
- 2022: 45,115 ITAs issued
- 2021: 114,431 ITAs issued (all to CEC and PNP candidates), setting a record
- 2020: Previous record of 107,350 ITAs
Latest Draw Details
The latest draw applied the tie-breaking rule on February 11, 2025, at 02:47 AM EST. Candidates with the minimum CRS score who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this date and time received invitations.
This was the 9th Express Entry draw of 2025 and the 339th overall. Candidates have 60 days to submit their applications, which are typically processed within the six-month standard.
The Significance of French Language Skills in Canada
The steady issuance of ITAs under the French language proficiency stream highlights Canada’s commitment to attracting more French-speaking immigrants. The government aims to strengthen and expand Francophone communities outside Quebec, aligning with its broader immigration goals.
This initiative stems from a declining French-speaking population across the country. To address this, the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028 has allocated $137.2 million over five years to support Francophone immigration. This funding will introduce a new Francophone immigration policy and build upon previous investments of $84.3 million.
