How Many ITAs Issued For Latest French language proficiency Express Entry Draw?

Canada is actively increasing immigration opportunities for French-speaking skilled professionals through targeted Express Entry category-based draws. These draws are designed to strengthen bilingual communities across Canada and support economic growth outside Quebec.

For Francophone candidates, this creates a clear, strategic advantage — often with lower CRS cut-off scores and higher chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) compared to general Express Entry rounds.

Latest French Language Proficiency Express Entry Draw

Draw Category: French language proficiency

Draw Date: December 17, 2025

Invitations Issued: 6,000

Minimum CRS Score: 399

This draw confirms IRCC’s strong focus on attracting French-speaking talent, making it one of the largest French-specific Express Entry draws of the year.

A CRS score below 400 is significant, as it opens doors for skilled professionals who may not be competitive in all-program draws but have strong French language skills.

Why Canada Is Prioritising French-Speaking Immigrants

Canada’s immigration strategy places growing importance on Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Through Express Entry category-based selection, IRCC aims to:

• Support bilingual labour markets
• Strengthen Francophone minority communities
• Address regional skill shortages
• Meet long-term demographic and economic targets

French-speaking candidates now benefit from both category-based invitations and additional CRS points for bilingual ability, creating a powerful combination.

CRS Advantage for French-Speaking Candidates

If French is your first official language, you may receive:

• Up to 32 CRS points for strong French alone
• Up to 56 CRS points if you also have good English proficiency

These additional points can significantly lower the CRS threshold required to receive an ITA, especially in French-specific draws.

French Category Previous Draws Details

Throughout 2025, IRCC has consistently conducted large French language proficiency draws, often issuing thousands of invitations at once. Compared to general Express Entry rounds, French draws have shown:

• Larger invitation volumes
• Lower CRS cut-offs
• More predictable selection patterns

This trend strongly indicates that French-speaking skilled workers remain a top priority for Canada in 2026 and beyond.

Who Is Eligible for French Language Proficiency Draws?

To be considered under this category, candidates must:

• Have an active Express Entry profile
• Be eligible under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP
• Score at least NCLC 7 in all four French language skills
• Submit valid French test results (TEF or TCF Canada)

English test results are optional but highly recommended to maximise CRS points.

How Francophone Candidates Can Improve Their Chances

To stay competitive in upcoming French draws:

1. Aim for higher French language scores
2. Add English proficiency where possible
3. Ensure education credentials are assessed (ECA)
4. Update skilled work experience promptly
5. Keep your Express Entry profile active and accurate

Strategic profile optimisation plays a key role in securing an ITA under category-based draws.

What to Expect Next for French Express Entry Draws

Based on 2025 trends, IRCC is expected to continue issuing regular French language proficiency draws in 2026. Candidates already in the pool with strong French skills are well-positioned to benefit, especially as Canada works toward its long-term Francophone immigration targets.

Final Takeaway

French language proficiency has become one of the strongest pathways to Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry. With lower CRS cut-offs, frequent draws, and high invitation numbers, Francophone skilled workers have a clear advantage — provided their profiles are well-prepared and up to date.