Canada Invites 4500 French-Speaking Candidates in Major Express Entry Draw with Lowest CRS Score of 2025

In a significant move to bolster its bilingual workforce, Canada’s third Express Entry draw of September 2025 issued an unprecedented 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language skills. This draw underscored the country’s strategic shift towards attracting Francophone talent to meet labor market demands and foster bilingual communities.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off for this draw was 446, marking a 35-point drop from previous rounds. This adjustment opened opportunities for a broader pool of candidates, highlighting Canada’s commitment to a more inclusive immigration process.

Recipients of ITAs must act promptly, accepting their invitation within 60 days and submitting complete applications. This includes essential documents like language test results and medical exams, along with a fee of approximately CAD 1,365 per adult. Applicants should monitor their status, as processing typically takes six months.

September’s Express Entry activity also featured draws on September 2 and 3, targeting Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience Class candidates, issuing 249 and 1,000 ITAs respectively. These draws showcase Canada’s multifaceted approach to immigration, catering to various skill sets and backgrounds.

This French-focused draw emphasizes the importance of bilingualism in Canada’s growth strategy. By lowering the CRS threshold, Canada is making permanent residency more attainable, particularly for Francophone applicants. This move aligns with efforts to address labor shortages and enrich cultural diversity.

The September 4, 2025, French-category Express Entry draw also introduced a tie-breaking rule to manage applications with the same CRS score of 446. Profiles submitted before June 16, 2025, at 07:21:06 UTC were prioritized, ensuring fairness in the selection process for candidates with identical scores.

This draw is part of a series of Express Entry rounds conducted in September 2025. Earlier in the month, on September 2, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw issued 249 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 772. The following day, September 3, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw released 1,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 534. These consecutive draws highlight Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) efforts to streamline immigration through diverse pathways.

The focus on French language proficiency in this draw aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen bilingualism and address labor market needs. By targeting Francophone candidates, Canada aims to enhance its competitive edge in industries requiring bilingual skills, while also fostering cultural diversity and enriching communities nationwide.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to enhance their French language skills and consider obtaining Canadian work experience or provincial nominations to improve their chances in future Express Entry draws. This strategic approach underscores Canada’s commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive immigration system.