Canada Invites 4,500 French-Speaking Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw

On March 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw, inviting 4,500 candidates with strong French-language proficiency. This draw continues Canada’s push to attract Francophone immigrants and strengthen bilingual communities outside Quebec.

Also Read 4,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Key Highlights of the Draw:

• Number of Invitations Issued: 4,500
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 410
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates need to have created an Express Entry profile before 7:47 am UTC on February 11, 2025.
• Purpose: Support Francophone minority communities and enhance bilingual representation in Canada.

This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on March 3 and aligns with IRCC’s broader focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates in 2025.

IRCC has also updated its priority categories for Express Entry, adding education occupations to the existing list, which includes:

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• Trade occupations
• Education occupations

In addition, upcoming changes to Express Entry will remove CRS points for arranged employment, which may significantly impact candidates relying on job offers to boost their scores.

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