4,500 Express Entry Candidates Invited with Lowest CRS Cut-Off Score Since August 2024
Breaking News: IRCC Issues Major Invitation Round for French-Speaking Immigrants
In a significant move to promote bilingual immigration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Express Entry draw on September 4, 2025. This draw invited 4,500 candidates with French language proficiency to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this round was 446, marking the lowest threshold for this category since August 2024. This draw underscores Canada’s strategic effort to attract French-speaking professionals and strengthen its Francophone communities.
Key Details of the September 4 Draw
- Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 4,500
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 446
- Target Category: French language proficiency
- Eligibility: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 7:21 a.m. UTC on June 16, 2025.
A Closer Look at the Draw’s Significance
This draw reflects Canada’s growing emphasis on category-based Express Entry selections. By targeting French-speaking candidates, IRCC aims to promote bilingualism and address labor market needs across the country, particularly outside of Quebec.
The lower CRS threshold of 446 makes this round more accessible compared to recent draws. For instance, other September 2025 draws for categories like education, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) had higher CRS cut-offs of 462, 746, and 534, respectively.
Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws
Comparing this draw to previous rounds for French language proficiency:
| Date | Category | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| August 8, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| March 21, 2025 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
These figures highlight the fluctuating CRS requirements and the varying number of ITAs issued in recent months. The September 4 draw stands out as the largest French-language focused round in September 2025, with the lowest CRS cut-off since August 2024.
Why This Draw Matters
Canada’s Express Entry system has evolved significantly in 2025, with a greater emphasis on targeted draws to address specific economic and demographic goals. This draw is part of a broader strategy to:
- Enhance Canada’s bilingual character by attracting French-speaking immigrants.
- Fill labor shortages in key sectors through skilled immigration.
- Support the growth of Francophone communities outside Quebec.
For candidates, understanding these trends is crucial. Meeting the CRS cut-off and submitting a profile before the specified deadline was essential for eligibility in this round. As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, staying informed will be key for prospective applicants.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.
Express Entry and Category-Based Draws
Express Entry is Canada’s primary selection system for economic immigration, managing applications for several key programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
In 2025, Express Entry draws have increasingly focused on specific categories, prioritizing skills, language abilities, or occupations. The majority of draws this year have targeted the PNP, followed by French-language proficiency, CEC candidates, and those in healthcare, education, and trades.
Immigration Trends and Importance
The September 4, 2025, draw underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants. The lower CRS cut-off scores in this category reflect both the demand for bilingual candidates and the country’s intention to strengthen its Francophone presence, particularly outside Quebec.
For prospective applicants, meeting the minimum CRS threshold and submitting a profile before the specified deadline was critical to being considered in this record-setting draw. This approach aligns with Canada’s evolving Express Entry strategy to address labor market gaps through targeted selection rounds.
Summary
- September 4, 2025: IRCC invited 4,500 French-speaking Express Entry candidates with CRS scores of at least 446.
- This is the largest French-language draw in September and marks the lowest CRS cut-off for the category since August 2024.
- The trend illustrates Canada’s shift towards category-based draws and a growing emphasis on bilingual immigration.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.
Conclusion
The September 4, 2025 Express Entry draw marks a significant step in Canada’s immigration strategy, emphasizing the importance of French language proficiency and bilingualism. By issuing 4,500 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 446, IRCC has opened opportunities for French-speaking candidates to contribute to Canada’s economic and cultural growth. This draw reflects Canada’s broader shift toward targeted immigration policies, aiming to address labor market needs and strengthen Francophone communities across the country. As Express Entry continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends will be crucial for prospective applicants seeking to secure their place in upcoming draws.
