Express Entry Draw Invites 6,000 Francophones, CRS Now 416
In a significant move to bolster francophone immigration, Canada has issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to French-speaking candidates through Express Entry Draw 376, held on October 29, 2025. This draw stands as one of the largest language-specific rounds of the year, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to increasing its francophone population outside Quebec.
The draw’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff was set at 416, a notably lower threshold compared to recent Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee draws. This lower threshold enhances opportunities for French-speaking candidates, highlighting the added CRS points they gain for language proficiency, which accelerates their path to receiving ITAs.
This round of invitations reflects a broader national strategy to enrich Canada’s cultural and linguistic diversity and fuel economic growth. By prioritizing French language proficiency, the Express Entry system is aligning with Canada’s objective to welcome more francophone newcomers, thus contributing to workforce diversity and fostering cultural enrichment.
In 2025, the trend of prioritizing French-speaking applicants has been evident, with 36,000 invitations already issued to this category, surpassing those in other categories such as the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program. This strategic focus underscores Canada’s long-term vision of nurturing a vibrant bilingual community nationwide.
Looking ahead, future Express Entry draws are likely to continue favoring candidates with strong French skills. Prospective applicants aiming to boost their chances of receiving an ITA are encouraged to enhance their French proficiency, gain Canadian work experience, and explore Provincial Nominee Program pathways in bilingual regions. As Canada prepares to announce its next Immigration Levels Plan, the emphasis on French-speaking candidates is expected to remain a pivotal element of its immigration policy.
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