Canada Issues 6000 Express Entry Invites as CRS Drops to 399

Latest Express Entry Draw Issues 6,000 Invitations to French-Speaking Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted Express Entry draw #388 on December 19, 2025. The draw marks the sixth Express Entry selection round this month.

IRCC issued 6,000 invitations to apply to candidates with French-language proficiency. The draw recorded a Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score of 399.

This represents one of the lowest CRS thresholds seen in 2025. The results highlight Canada’s continued emphasis on category-based selection.

Candidates needed to create their Express Entry profile before 11:43 p.m. UTC on August 24, 2025. They also had to meet the minimum CRS score of 399.

Key Details from Express Entry Draw #388

This French-language proficiency draw stands out for both its low CRS cut-off and its scale. Issuing 6,000 invitations in a single round reflects IRCC’s push to accelerate admissions in targeted categories.

The draw included these specifications:

• Draw type: French-language proficiency
• Invitations issued: 6,000
• CRS cut-off score: 399
• Tie-breaking date: August 24, 2025

For many candidates with strong French skills, this draw represents a rare opportunity. They can receive an invitation without the higher CRS scores often required in other categories.

Why the CRS Dropped Below 400

A CRS cut-off below 400 is uncommon in most Express Entry categories. Category-based draws allow IRCC to select candidates based on specific attributes rather than overall ranking alone.

French-language proficiency draws offer candidates several advantages:

• Bonus CRS points for French ability
• Lower competition compared to general draws
• Priority alignment with Canada’s Francophone immigration objectives

This approach supports population growth in Francophone minority communities across Canada. It also helps employers meet labour demands in French-speaking regions.

Express Entry Trends Through 2025

IRCC has issued 117,998 invitations to apply through the Express Entry system in 2025. The distribution of invitations shows a clear emphasis on targeted selection rather than all-program rounds.

The number of draws by category in 2025 includes:

• Provincial Nominee Program: 23
• Canadian Experience Class: 15
• French-language proficiency: 9
• Healthcare and social services: 6
• Education: 2
• Trade: 1

French-language draws now represent a significant share of Express Entry invitations this year.

French-Language Candidates Receive Most Invitations

Candidates selected under French-language proficiency draws have received the highest number of invitations in 2025.

IRCC has issued invitations by category as follows:

• French-language proficiency: 48,000
• Canadian Experience Class: 36,850
• Healthcare and social services: 13,500
• Provincial Nominee Program: 9,775
• Education: 3,500
• Trade: 1,250

These figures confirm that strong French skills remain one of the most effective advantages in the Express Entry system.

What This Draw Means for Candidates

This draw sends a clear message to French-speaking candidates. Language ability can significantly outweigh CRS score limitations.

Candidates with mid-range profiles may struggle in Canadian Experience Class or PNP draws. They now have a competitive alternative through French-language category draws.

The frequency of December draws suggests IRCC is actively working through its annual admission targets. This pattern may continue with category-based invitations into early 2026.

Express Entry draw #388 demonstrates IRCC’s strong preference for targeted immigration pathways. French-language proficiency candidates continue to benefit from lower CRS thresholds and higher invitation volumes. This makes the French-language category one of the most strategic routes to permanent residence in Canada.