In its ongoing effort to strengthen bilingualism and meet immigration goals, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another significant Express Entry draw targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. The draw, held on October 29, 2025, saw 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued, making it the third-largest Express Entry round of the year.
Also Read IRCC Invites 6,000 French-Speaking Candidates for PR
Key Highlights of the Draw
- Draw Date: October 29, 2025
- Category: French-language proficiency
- Total ITAs Issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS Requirement: 416
- Profile Creation Cut-Off: Before 3:27 p.m. (UTC) on September 8, 2025
- Type: Category-based Express Entry draw
- Cumulative ITAs in 2025: 81,485
This draw continues IRCC’s focused approach to attract skilled French-speaking professionals, contributing to the government’s vision of increasing the number of francophone immigrants outside Quebec.
Also Read
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- Prince Edward Island Conducts Sudden PNP Draw For International Graduates
- Canada Invites 6,000 French-Speaking Candidates in Major Express Entry Round
- IRCC Invites CEC Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
Express Entry Draw Summary for 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
| October 29 | French language proficiency | 6,000 | 416 |
| October 28 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 533 |
| October 27 | Provincial Nominee Program | 302 | 761 |
| October 15 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 472 |
| October 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 345 | 778 |
| October 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 1 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 29 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
| September 18 | Trade | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 4 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Rising Role of French-Language Immigration
The latest round is part of IRCC’s ongoing plan to increase the number of francophone immigrants across Canada. With over 36,000 ITAs already issued to French-speaking candidates this year, IRCC has demonstrated that linguistic diversity remains one of the cornerstones of its selection strategy.
This approach not only supports the Francophone Immigration Strategy but also helps address labor shortages in provinces where bilingual workers are in high demand.
Express Entry Activity by Category in 2025
IRCC has used a targeted approach throughout the year, organizing draws that prioritize specific professional backgrounds and language abilities.
Draws by Type:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 20 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 11 |
| French-language proficiency | 7 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 5 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
Total Invitations by Category:
| Category | ITAs Issued |
| French-language proficiency | 36,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 22,850 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 9,792 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7,249 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
Canada’s Shift Toward Category-Based Draws
The Express Entry landscape in 2025 has evolved into a more targeted, data-driven system. Rather than issuing large-scale all-program invitations, IRCC is conducting category-based draws designed to respond to labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, education, and trades.
By selecting candidates with specific skills or strong French-language proficiency, IRCC ensures that newcomers integrate faster and contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economy and cultural fabric.
Why French-Language Draws Matter
Canada’s growing need for bilingual professionals has made French-speaking candidates increasingly competitive in the Express Entry pool. These applicants receive additional CRS points, giving them a significant advantage.
Provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba are particularly keen on attracting francophone immigrants to strengthen their regional economies and cultural diversity.
Advice for Express Entry Aspirants
If you are preparing to enter the Express Entry pool, consider the following:
- Enhance your language test scores through TEF or TCF exams.
- Gain work experience in sectors frequently targeted by IRCC draws.
- Keep your profile updated to meet the eligibility requirements for multiple categories.
- Stay informed about IRCC’s draw trends and CRS cut-offs.
Applicants who combine language proficiency with in-demand skills stand a much better chance of receiving an ITA in future rounds.
The Road Ahead
With several months remaining in 2025, additional category-based draws are expected before year-end. The upcoming 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan will likely continue this approach, emphasizing skilled bilingual workers and sector-specific expertise.
As Canada continues to welcome record numbers of newcomers, the Express Entry system remains one of the most efficient pathways to permanent residency, rewarding candidates who align with the nation’s linguistic and economic priorities.
