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.

Also Read

• Quebec Signals New Immigration Direction with Return of PEQ Program
  The government of Quebec is preparing to restore the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), reopening a major immigration pathway that had previously been removed during the
• Alberta PNP Draws in April 2026 Target Healthcare and Hospitality Workers
  Alberta has continued to refine its immigration strategy in 2026 by issuing a new round of invitations under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, focusing on
• Canada Introduces Priority PR Processing for Temporary Workers in Rural Communities
  Canada has taken a decisive step toward reshaping its immigration landscape by rolling out a targeted initiative that accelerates permanent residence (PR) processing for select
• Newfoundland and Labrador Conducts New Draw, Issues 190 ITAs Across Key Programs
  Newfoundland and Labrador has continued its steady immigration activity in 2026, conducting a new provincial selection round on May 1 and extending invitations to 190
• Canada Updates Processing Times: Faster Decisions for Work and Study Permits
  Canada’s immigration department has released its latest update on temporary residence application processing timelines, revealing notable improvements in several categories while highlighting slower movement in