IRCC Conducts Express Entry French Language Proficiency Draw with Lowest CRS Score of 379

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another round of invitations through the Express Entry system, issuing 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French language proficiency draw.

This draw is particularly significant because it had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 379, making it the lowest CRS score for any Express Entry draw since February 29, 2024. Candidates who received invitations needed to have created an Express Entry profile before 2:53 am UTC on March 6, 2025.

This latest round marks the fourth Express Entry draw of March and the second within a single week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 17.

Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025

IRCC has been actively conducting Express Entry draws across various categories, including French Language Proficiency, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Below is a summary of the draws held so far in 2025:

As of now, IRCC has issued a total of 30,683 ITAs in 2025, demonstrating its commitment to welcoming new immigrants through various Express Entry streams.

Canada’s Immigration Priorities

IRCC continues to focus on issuing invitations to candidates already in Canada, aligning with policies introduced since mid-2024. This trend suggests that the government is prioritizing individuals who are already contributing to the Canadian economy and society.

While newly appointed Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan has not yet received a formal Mandate Letter from Prime Minister Mark Carney, this policy direction aligns with Carney’s previous advocacy for prioritizing domestic candidates for permanent residency.

Understanding Express Entry Profile Validity & Tie-Breaking Rule

• Validity Period:
  Express Entry profiles remain valid for up to one year. If a candidate's profile expires, they must create a new profile to remain in the pool. IRCC recommends that applicants save their previous profile information for ease of resubmission.
• Tie-Breaking Rule:
  In Express Entry draws, if multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule is applied. This means that only candidates who submitted their profile before a specific cut-off date and time will receive an invitation.

For example, in the March 21 draw, candidates with a CRS score of 379 needed to have submitted their profile before 2:53 am UTC on March 6, 2025 to receive an ITA.

Eligibility for French Proficiency Draws

To qualify for a French language proficiency draw, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four French language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) under the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
• Be eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Additional factors, such as work experience, education, and adaptability, can further enhance a candidate’s profile and improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

Currently, 80% of Canada PR applications submitted through Express Entry are processed within six months, making it one of the fastest immigration pathways to Canadian permanent residency.

What This Means for Candidates

With the CRS cut-off score dropping to 379, more candidates—particularly those with strong French proficiency—now have a greater chance of receiving an invitation. This trend reinforces Canada's efforts to attract Francophone immigrants, who play a crucial role in strengthening bilingual communities outside of Quebec.

Candidates who are still in the pool should monitor upcoming draws closely and ensure their Express Entry profile remains updated to improve their chances of selection.

If you are preparing to apply, consider improving your CRS score by:
✔ Enhancing your French or English language scores
✔ Gaining additional work experience in Canada
✔ Pursuing a higher level of education or obtaining educational credential assessments (ECA)
✔ Securing a Provincial Nomination (PNP) for an additional 600 CRS points

With lower CRS thresholds being observed, 2025 could be a promising year for Express Entry applicants looking to secure permanent residency in Canada.